September 30________________________________________
It is time to forgive and comfort him. Otherwise he may be overcome by discouragement. So I urge you now to reaffirm your love for him. – 2 Corinthians 2:7-8 (NLT)
DON’T DELAY AFFIRMATION
A poem and essay by ILMA
When someone you love is hurting
Don’t delay affirmation giving
Or they may be overcome with discouragement
If it is within your power, give encouragement.
Forgive and comfort those who need it
You’ll be rewarded with the fruits of God’s Spirit
Take good care of those who are vulnerable
God’s love for them is so immeasurable.
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Many people delay giving love and affirmation. According to Dr. Gary Chapman’s best selling book on the five love languages, “words of affirmation” is one way that we can show our love for someone. According to Dr. Chapman, expressing affection through spoken affection, praise, or appreciation is what this love language means. Our world today would be a better place if people told each other how much they mean to one another. Many people are love starved for affirmation.
This love language is one of my poverty. I grew up not being told that I have value and that I have no worth. I wasn’t affirmed so I always doubted people’s intentions and got very discouraged and desperate when I was a teen. The bible tells us that we shouldn’t delay giving affirmation or others may be overcome with discouragement.
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PRAYER
Lord, help those who are poor in receiving affirmation.
REFLECTION
How can giving affirmation change someone’s life?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s poem devotional or go to www.ilmaarts.com posts. To receive emails of my poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com