“Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he [Jesus] took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.” (Mark 10:15–16, ESV)
In the scripture for today, Jesus blessed some children who were gathered close to Him. He offered up “good words”, while laying His hands upon them in a ritual form of blessing. As I studied this verse, I noticed something interesting about the word “blessed”. In the Greek, this word means to offer up “good words” to another. The root word for the word “blessed” used here in this verse is eulogy. Usually, when people think of a eulogy, they are reminded of the part in a funeral where a person’s life is recounted. This part of the funeral is meant to extol the “good” in a person’s life. However, good words or affirmations should not only be offered after a person dies. Affirmations are meant to be a normal part of life. Jesus, here in Mark 10:15-16, offered up his affirmations or “good words” to the children. His blessing upon them is remembered for posterity. He didn’t wait until the children did something good in order to offer them good words; He gave them affirmations while in their presence that day in order to build them up, enrich their lives, and encourage their souls.
How often do you give affirmations? Do good words of encouragement often gush from your mouth? Do you only give affirmations after someone does something for you, or are you known for generous blessings?
“Mary had grown up knowing that she was different from the other kids, and she hated it. She was born with a cleft palate and had to bear the jokes and stares of cruel children who teased her non-stop about her misshaped lip, crooked nose, and garbled speech. With all the teasing, Mary grew up hating the fact that she was “different.” She was convinced that no one, outside her family, could ever love her … until she entered Mrs. Leonard’s class. Mrs. Leonard had a warm smile, a round face, and shiny brown hair. While everyone in her class liked her, Mary came to love Mrs. Leonard.
In the 1950’s, it was common for teachers to give their children an annual hearing test. However, in Mary’s case, in addition to her cleft palate, she was barely able to hear out of one ear. Determined not to let the other children have another “difference” to point out, she would cheat on the test each year. The “whisper test” was given by having a child walk to the classroom door, turn sideways, close one ear with a finger, and then repeat something which the teacher whispered. Mary turned her bad ear towards her teacher and pretended to cover her good ear. She knew that teachers would often say things like, “The sky is blue,” or “What color are your shoes?” But not on that day. Surely, God put seven words in Mrs. Leonard’s mouth that changed Mary’s life forever. When the “Whisper test” came, Mary heard the words: “I wish you were my little girl.”” (John Trent, “Men of Action”, Winter 1993, p. 5)
Giving such affirming words make a huge difference in the life of any person. They can inspire. They can touch the heart in beautiful ways. There are so many things you can say to be affirming. Here’s a list:
“You are special to me!”
“You’re a real trooper!”
“What a great help you’ve been!”
“I’m praying for you!”
“God loves you!”
“You are precious in God’s sight; did you know that?”
“You made my day!”
“I love you so much!”
“I couldn’t be any prouder of you!”
“That’s so creative!”
“I knew you could do it!”
“I can tell how hard you are trying. It shows!”
“Way to go!”
Affirmations, blessings, eulogies, and good words go a long way. They can bring healing and wholeness. They can spark creative energies. They can free a soul held captive by insecurity. Like Jesus, you have the power to offer blessings. Don’t hold back! Someone may need that affirmation from your lips today.
How often do you give affirmations? Do good words of encouragement often gush from your mouth? Do you only give affirmations after someone does something for you, or are you known for generous blessings?
“Mary had grown up knowing that she was different from the other kids, and she hated it. She was born with a cleft palate and had to bear the jokes and stares of cruel children who teased her non-stop about her misshaped lip, crooked nose, and garbled speech. With all the teasing, Mary grew up hating the fact that she was “different.” She was convinced that no one, outside her family, could ever love her … until she entered Mrs. Leonard’s class. Mrs. Leonard had a warm smile, a round face, and shiny brown hair. While everyone in her class liked her, Mary came to love Mrs. Leonard.
In the 1950’s, it was common for teachers to give their children an annual hearing test. However, in Mary’s case, in addition to her cleft palate, she was barely able to hear out of one ear. Determined not to let the other children have another “difference” to point out, she would cheat on the test each year. The “whisper test” was given by having a child walk to the classroom door, turn sideways, close one ear with a finger, and then repeat something which the teacher whispered. Mary turned her bad ear towards her teacher and pretended to cover her good ear. She knew that teachers would often say things like, “The sky is blue,” or “What color are your shoes?” But not on that day. Surely, God put seven words in Mrs. Leonard’s mouth that changed Mary’s life forever. When the “Whisper test” came, Mary heard the words: “I wish you were my little girl.”” (John Trent, “Men of Action”, Winter 1993, p. 5)
Giving such affirming words make a huge difference in the life of any person. They can inspire. They can touch the heart in beautiful ways. There are so many things you can say to be affirming. Here’s a list:
“You are special to me!”
“You’re a real trooper!”
“What a great help you’ve been!”
“I’m praying for you!”
“God loves you!”
“You are precious in God’s sight; did you know that?”
“You made my day!”
“I love you so much!”
“I couldn’t be any prouder of you!”
“That’s so creative!”
“I knew you could do it!”
“I can tell how hard you are trying. It shows!”
“Way to go!”
Affirmations, blessings, eulogies, and good words go a long way. They can bring healing and wholeness. They can spark creative energies. They can free a soul held captive by insecurity. Like Jesus, you have the power to offer blessings. Don’t hold back! Someone may need that affirmation from your lips today.