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Last week was homecoming at our school. One of my co-workers and I were cheerleaders together in high school. Go Big Green! We also teach at the same high school, so when the school song played during the pep fest we jokingly said that we could still remember the actions.
The cheerleader in me is still going strong. I love to show up for my people and cheer them onto their best performance and to be there for encouragement when times are tough. My husband thinks I’m a bit eccentric to drive 6 hours round trip to watch a volleyball game, a 2 minute dance performance or run around a cross country course to see my nieces 3-4 times as they run past, I wouldn't have it any other way.
Gary Chapman's book, The 5 Love Languages outlines 5 ways we express and prefer to receive love: physical touch, quality time, words of affirmation, acts of service and gifts. My top two are quality time and words of affirmation. All of a sudden my cheerleader tendencies make sense. I feel the most loved when people make time for me and speak words of encouragement. In turn I want to show my loved ones that they are important to me by showing up (time) and cheering (words of affirmation).
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage
one another
and
build one another up,
just as you are doing.
God also speaks words of affirmation and encouragement in the Bible. Here are few of my favorites:
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy
and peace as you trust in him,
so that you may overflow with hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit.
John 16:33
“I have told you these things,
so that in me
you may have peace.
In this world
you will have trouble.
But take heart!
I have overcome the world.”
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you?
Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid;
do not be discouraged,
for the Lord your God
will be with you
wherever you go.
How do you feel the most loved? Is it through quality time and words of affirmation, like me, or do you have another love language? This week let's strive to be an encouragement to someone through a gift, an act of service, physical touch, quality time or words of affirmation. Be a cheerleader for Christ!