Approval Through Thoughts And Words

approval - Approval through Thoughts and Words

This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Matthew 3:17

Approval means thinking and speaking well of another person. It means commending another person because of who that person is, possibly apart from what he or she does. It means affirming the fact of and importance of a relationship. Let’s see how the Father met the Son’s need for approval.

Jesus is standing in line with the rest of the followers waiting to be baptized by John the Baptist. John raises his hand and announces that “Jesus of Nazareth is to be baptized today.” As Jesus comes out of the water, an unusual thing occurs. The heavens open up, and the Spirit of God descends like a dove. And, out of nowhere, a thundering voice announces, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

With these simple words, the heavenly Father is essentially bragging about His Son. The word beloved shows just how deep the sentiment goes. It’s also important to notice that the Father initiates this contact. Jesus didn’t have to ask for it. And one final thing to notice: The Father approved of His Son before the Son had done anything. This blessing came before Jesus had performed any miracles or healed or converted anyone. The Father gave His Son approval because of who He was, not for what He had done.

As the Father approved of the Son, so He approved of me. Knowing that, I (David) can do no less to those around me, particularly the one who holds such a special place in my life, my spouse.

What are some ways you can show approval to your spouse for who that person is and apart from what he or she does for you?