1 - Introduction - Living like a real Christian Idolatry - The Sin Beneath The Sin | Page 5

Christians should be people who are quick to praise and celebrate what others have done,
who love to praise, appreciate, and make supportive statements.
More specifically, it is a deliberate practice of identifying the following in others:
• Where they are growing and making progress. (Do you see them growing in their
ability to handle problems, difficulties, and criticism? Do you see them growing in
peace, joy, or self-control? Affirm and speak to them about it.)
• What talents and gifts they have that benefit others. (Do you see them ministering
in ways that benefit others spiritually? If you see a pattern to how they do it, is that a
gift or talent they should be cultivating? Affirm and speak to them about it.)
• Which sacrifices they are making to do the right thing, even though others may not
be aware of it. (Are they perhaps making great sacrifices just to honour God? Notice
the on-going sacrifices and affirm their obedience.)
Fruit, gifts, and sacrifices are to be confirmed and affirmed in community. All of this gives
“honour” to others (Romans 12 v 10).
Notes on specific texts:
• Romans 12 v 1–8, taken as a whole, indicates that we should appreciate one
another’s very distinctive gifts and abilities, not despising those who are different.
• The opposite of an affirming, honouring spirit is what James 5 v 9 alludes to. There
the word “grumble” means literally to sigh or groan. You can show exasperation and
disdain in a way that makes others feel not simply critiqued, but small and
marginalized.

Wednesday
Today we will be covering the last two practices about affirming one another. Read the
full Scripture verses which accompany “Practice 2” and “Practice 3”.
Practice 2 — Affirming One Another’s Equal Importance in Christ
• Romans 15 v 7 – “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you”
• 1 Corinthians 12 v 25 – “Have equal concern for each other”
• 1 Peter 5 v 5– “Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another”
• James 2 v 1 – “Don’t show favouritism”
This is a general mind-set that refuses to be impressed with the world’s status-ladders or
pecking orders. In the world, some classes, races, vocations, and cultures have more
power than others, but the Bible calls us in numerous places to refuse to let those