God Speaks: Words of Affirmation

Reuben taught his congregation the love languages. He taught that giving gifts to God (tithes, offerings, our time and skills in service) is one expression of love, and that people show love to God by serving others. He acknowledged the discipline of meditation and prayer in which one spends quality time with God. But for Reuben, the most natural expression of his love to God was using words both to affirm God and to encourage others.

Are Reuben’s experiences with God unique? Not at all. The Bible is filled with illustrations of God speaking words of affirmation. The Bible itself is often known as the “Word of God.”

God's Words to Us
The God of the Bible is characterized as the God who speaks. The Scriptures consistently declare God’s words of encouragement:

* “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
* “For I know the plans I have for you...plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
* “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.”

All of these words from God affirm the worth of human beings.

Words to Praise Him
Many individuals testify that a “God connection” resulted from reading the Bible. As a young monk, Martin Luther sought to find peace with God. Sitting alone in his room, deeply concerned about his relationship with God, Luther opened his Bible and began to read Paul’s letter to the Romans. When he came to Romans chapter 1, verse 17, he read, “The just shall live by faith” (KJV). He paused and pondered. Then unspeakable joy flooded his heart.

Thousands of contemporary followers of Jesus can identify with him. Their hearts have been captured by the words of God, and they reciprocate His love by expressing words of praise. They feel closest to God when they sing praise to Him and during praying. Their prayers flow with praise and thanksgiving to God, telling Him how much they love Him.

But for another significant group, their method of worshiping and expressing their love to God does not focus on words, but on quality time. We will turn our attention to that group next time as we examine another love language of God.


There are five love languages. What's yours? Take the 30-second quiz.
Excerpt taken from God Speaks Your Love Language by Dr. Gary Chapman. To find out more about his resources, visit www.fivelovelanguages.com.