Practicing Affirmation: God-Centered Praise of Those who are not God (Sam Crabtree)

Practicing Affirmation

God-Centered Praise of those who are not God

It happens in marriages, parent-child relationships, friendships, workplaces, and churches: Communication falters, friendships wane, teenagers withdraw, marriages fail, and bitter rifts sever once-strong ties. Christian communities are no exception. Why do so many of our relationships suffer from alienation, indifference, and even hostility?

Author Sam Crabtree believes that often at the heart of these breakdowns is a lack of affirmation. He observes in Scripture that God grants mercy to those who refresh others, and in life that people tend to be influenced by those who praise them. Crabtree shows how a robust “God-centered affirmation ratio” refreshes others and honors God.

Practicing Affirmation sounds a call to recognize and affirm the character of Christ in others. When done well, affirmation does not fuel pride in the person, but refreshes them and honors God. All who are discouraged in relationships will find wisdom and practical insight in this book.

Endorsements

“Who needs a book about affirming others? For starters, I do—and I suspect you do too. Too many of us use most of our words each day for criticizing and complaining. My friend Sam Crabtree, on the other hand, is a practitioner of affirmation. To meet him is to be encouraged. His words, both in person and in these pages, are thoughtful, intentional, and full of gratefulness. If you find that your communication lacks encouragement, if you want to grow in affirming others, if you plan to say any words at all today—please read this book!”
— C. J. Mahaney, author of Humility: True Greatness

“Sam lives what he preaches. I’ve never forgotten a short, hand-written note of God-centered affirmation he sent me years ago, having met only once briefly. His words not only encouraged me personally at the time, but have influenced our ministry in a significant way ever since. I am grateful for this book—if no one else needs it, I know I do!”  — Nancy Leigh DeMoss, author, Biblical Womanhood in the Home; radio host, Revive Our Hearts

Contents

1. God-Centered Affirmation of Those Who are not God
2. Key to Refreshing Relationships: The Simplicity
3. Toward Greater Refreshment: The Complexity
4. Important Assumptions
5. Mistakes I Have Made
6. Questions and Answers
7. Sightings of Jesus
8. Mixing Correction with Affirmation
9. 100 Affirmation Ideas for Those who Feel Stuck

• Appendix 1: Decision Grid
• Appendix 2: Tone of Voice