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Firm Affirmation - God's love for us is often manifested directly within us.
When we receive affirmation for something that we have done well, we might immediately express gratitude to those who gift us this way, but we might not acknowledge or admit to ourselves the consoling feelings that necessarily accompany the truth of the goodness of our intentions. We value honesty, certainly in how we relate with others, but also for ourselves. Most of us find it easy to criticize ourselves but not so easy to accept affirmation. So prevalent is this among us, that sometimes we might not affirm another’s good words or actions because the thought arises that to do so might cause embarrassment to them or to us.
Happily, for us and for everyone with whom we interact in any way, we can reflect on some of our experiences with either giving and receiving affirmation or not doing so, and determine which were missed opportunities for supporting the truth of the goodness present in someone’s actions, or occasions where letting the moment pass unacknowledged was truly the better option. A little embarrassment might be acceptable because of the greater good we see of giving or accepting affirmation in one situation, and in another, our sensibilities might indicate otherwise. We learn from experience how to become better confirmers of goodness in others and to accept the same for ourselves.
God is not in the least concerned about the possibility of embarrassing us or of being misunderstood about the motives behind the continuing subtle and sometimes quite direct movements of affirmation given to us. We can easily miss some of the gentle non-verbal ways that God relates with us through direct access with our feelings. We can be so intent on what we are thinking and doing that we do not notice, or pass quickly over, the delicate consolation that God attaches to the good in much of our ordinary actions and communications with others and in decisions we make about beliefs, ideas, and values
We have also very likely received affirmation from God quite firmly at times, which we can verify in our experience. One such moment might have occurred after we had struggled with deciding about an issue and finally came to the point where we could honestly say that we were free of emotional attachment to one side or the other. Then, in asking God for help, we felt peace at seeing one side as the better option. After making the conscious decision to act according to those movements in mind and heart, a consoling and abiding calm settled in us, firmly confirming our decision.
God, who is Good, affirms every least and greatest of the good intentions upon which we act.
Last Updated 3/21/2026