OCTOBER 16 – Reading 289

by Vanessa Abrisqueta | October 16

“THE POWER OF SPIRITUAL AFFIRMATION”
(Matthew 3:1-17; Mark 1:1-11; Luke 3:1-23a)

“And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.'” – Matthew 3:17 (ESV)

Can you remember the words an adult spoke over you that changed how you saw yourself? What would happen if you became that voice of affirmation for a young person in your life today?

At Jesus’ baptism, the Father spoke words that would echo through eternity: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). This wasn’t a performance review—Jesus hadn’t yet begun His public ministry, performed miracles, or died for our sins. The Father’s declaration was based on identity, not achievement. Before Jesus did anything, He was affirmed for who He was: beloved, chosen, pleasing to the Father.

This divine pattern reveals something profound about spiritual formation. Children and young people desperately need adults who will speak identity and purpose over their lives before they’ve proven themselves worthy. The Holy Spirit empowers us to see potential where others see problems, to declare worth where the world declares failure, and to plant seeds of calling before gifts are fully developed.

John the Baptist understood this ministry of preparation. His role wasn’t to be the main event but to “prepare the way of the Lord” (Mark 1:3). Similarly, our calling as spiritual parents is to prepare young hearts to hear and receive God’s voice over their lives. When we consistently speak words of blessing, potential, and spiritual identity over children, we’re creating internal frameworks that help them recognize and respond to God’s calling throughout their lives.

Consider the power of speaking God’s heart over the young people in your sphere. Instead of waiting for perfect behavior to offer affirmation, we can declare truth about their identity in Christ. “God has gifted you with compassion.” “I see leadership potential in how you care for others.” “Your questions show me you have a heart that seeks truth.” These aren’t empty compliments but prophetic declarations that help young people understand how God sees them.

Simple Truth:
God speaks identity over us before we prove ourselves worthy

Application:
Choose one young person in your life this week and intentionally speak identity and calling over them. Look beyond current behavior or performance to see their God-given potential. Find a moment to tell them specifically what you see in them that reflects God’s character or calling. Watch how affirmation from a trusted adult can plant seeds of confidence and spiritual identity that will shape their understanding of themselves for years to come.

The ripple effects of spiritual affirmation extend far beyond individual families. When children grow up secure in their identity and calling, they naturally become confident in sharing that same love and acceptance with others. Families in our community are drawn to environments where children are valued, affirmed, and spoken over with hope rather than criticism. This creates natural opportunities for gospel conversations as parents witness the transformative power of words spoken in love and truth.

Reflection Questions:

1. Personal Reflection: What words of affirmation from adults shaped your own sense of identity and calling?

    

2. Relational Application: Which young person in your life most needs to hear words of spiritual identity and potential?

    

3. Legacy Focus: How might the words you speak today influence how the next generation understands their worth and calling?

    

Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for speaking identity and love over us before we ever proved ourselves worthy. Just as You declared Jesus as Your beloved Son, help us see the young people in our lives through Your eyes. Holy Spirit, give us wisdom to speak words that build identity rather than tear down, that declare potential rather than focus on problems. May our words plant seeds of confidence and calling that help people recognize Your voice throughout their lives. Use our church community to create an environment where every person knows they are valued, gifted, and called by You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.