Words of Affirmation

Matthew 3:17

“And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’”

Have you heard of the five love languages (a concept coined by pastor Gary Chapman)? Love languages are the ways we give and receive love. Everyone has their own personal recipe for feeling loved—it could be words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, or physical touch. Knowing someone’s love language can enhance your communication and connection while dating.

While you won’t find the term “love language” in the Bible, the concept of each love language is highlighted throughout Scripture, particularly through the life of Jesus. So, let’s dive in and learn how to apply each action to our relationships, just like He did—starting with Words of Affirmation.

What It Means

This love language focuses on verbal expressions of love and appreciation. People with this love language feel loved when they receive compliments, words of encouragement, or verbal acknowledgment of their achievements. This love language thrives on the power of spoken words to uplift and reassure. It's all about making sure your partner hears why and how much they matter to you.

How Jesus Showed This Love Language

Jesus frequently used words to affirm and encourage those around Him. For instance, in Matthew 3:17, at Jesus' baptism, God declared, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." Here, Jesus receives direct verbal affirmation from God, exemplifying the importance of expressing love and approval through words. Additionally, in John 11:25-26, Jesus comforts Martha by affirming her faith, saying, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die." Through these instances, Jesus demonstrated the significant impact that words of affirmation can have on individuals, offering comfort, encouragement, and reassurance of His love and presence.

How to Show Love to Someone with This Love Language

Compliment them regularly, tell them what you love or appreciate about them (get specific!), and express your feelings verbally. Don’t underestimate the power of a heartfelt note or a surprise text message to brighten their day. Remember, it's not just about what you say but how you say it—sincerity makes all the difference.