R.E.A.P. your daily devotions with Linda Bailey

If your major love language is Words of Affirmation then you show people that you love them by saying positive, encouraging words to them.

Matthew 21.1-11

Reference: v.9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
'Hosanna to the Son of David!'
'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!'
'Hosanna in the highest!' (NIV Bible)

Explore: Dr Gary Chapman believes there are Five Love Languages - that's 5 different ways that people can express their love for another. One of the five is Words of Affirmation. If your major love language is Words of Affirmation then you show people that you love them by saying positive, encouraging words to them. This could be said straight to them or maybe written in a card, maybe even expressed through a song. No matter how they are expressed, the positive words spoken to another is an expression of their love and appreciation.
Jesus knew that his time in Jerusalem was not going to be pleasant. But as he headed towards the city people spread their cloaks on the ground before Jesus, some waved branches and the whole crowd shouted 'Hosanna to the Son of David!' These words of affirmation expressed more than just encouragement to Jesus but proclaimed him as the Messiah.

Application: Whether our major Love Language is Words of Affirmation or not, words are very powerful. In one sentence you can build someone up or tear them down. If we were to look throughout our day would our mouths be expressing Words of Affirmation? Would our speech be proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah? Words can slip out so quickly and easily. We must be mindful of what we say and the impact our words can have on others.

Prayer: Lord, you give us so much encouragement by saying that you would always be here for us. May the words we speak to others be supportive and uplifting. Amen.

When have the words of another had a big impact on you?