This is the first time I’m giving people “homework” via this blog but here goes. First, trust me and watch this 15 minute video entitled Validation. It’s worth each minute. Some folks may think this short film is simply to…well…simplistic and humanistic but let’s not overcomplexify things: We all need validation.
As followers of Christ, we know that the gospel is more than just mere encouragement, happy feelings, positive therapy and…validation, but don’t make the mistake of forgetting how each of us really need to be affirmed, encouraged, and validated in our lives. For us, the ultimate validation comes from knowing the truth that God created us, loves us, reconciles us, and is at work to restore us…to God and to the world. Because God loved us first, we are now validated to love God and to love Neighbors. The cross of Christ reconciles and once more, proclaims that validation.
What do you think of the short film below?
In our world of growing cynicism, it’s far easier to share what you are against rather than live for what you are for. It’s far easier to cut down others rather than build people up. It’s good to know where our ultimate validation comes from but this film reminds me not to underestimate how we often receive glimpses of God’s shalom through human relationships.
And that leads me now to the second portion of our collective homework. It’s more an invitation as you enter this weekend:
Share with others – spouse, friends, family, siblings, neighbors, co-workers, customers, employees, congregants, pastors, strangers, grocery food baggers, and so on – a word of VALIDATION. Don’t expect anything back. Smile genuinely and share a few words of encouragement and validation.
Thank you. No…really…thank you. [As I’m giving you an e-hug…] I want to remind you:
God loves you.
EUGENE CHO 
I saw this video couple months ago and absolutely loved the movie. It’s not just a feel good film but shows our impact to the lives of others.
Thanks for the reminder, Eugene.
Neat video. I’ve noticed that often people will not accept validation – responding not as the people in the video do, by internalizing it, but rather by basically turning the compliment away with some negative comment about either the thing complimented or some parallel thing. So, in addition to giving out validation, I’d encourage everyone to accept it graciously, too.
@bibliophilist: hmm. i think you just indirectly outed me. i didn’t think of that when i was watching the video but after your reading your comment, i realized (and confess) that receiving validation is the more difficult thing for me to do.
Oh I cried so hard. So embarrassing to do that in a cafe.
nice.
two thumbs up.
What a great film. I am such a “words” person and wholeheartedly agree how important it is to not only give words but receive them fully. To even practice speaking what we know to be true by God’s Word, even when we don’t believe it (YET!) is so important and healing.
I am a sucker for stuff like this. Thanks so much.
Thank you for posting this, Eugene. What a wonderful film! We do all need validation in our lives. May we smile and bring smiles this weekend!
Thank you very much for posting this. Will definitely share this with others. I love homework like this!
Thanks. A family Friday night was spent watching and smiling. You are a pastor to a community far and wide. Keep doing work!
Man, Eugene … thanks for posting this. It has been a theme of discussion in our house the past couple of years. Zach has been concerned that his generation is in what he calls a “kindness drought” where majoring in snarkiness and criticism are badges of honor. However, we know that’s not unique to his generation. Posted his chapter on Kindness from Generation Change. Kind of long – so delete if it’s taking up too much space. Peace to you – and gratefulness for all you do. By the way, should I mention what great hair you have?!
KINDNESS
“Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate.”
Albert Schweitzer
A lot of the material in this book addresses massive global problems that have serious consequences. So kindness might seem trivial. But I wanted to include it because I think we have a shortage of kindness in Western culture today. You might even want to call it a kindness drought. And I think that has a huge effect on our world.
While responding to problems like hunger, homelessness, and the need for clean water might require significant planning and coordination, kindness is something we can practice every day. Kindness can become a habit that will improve not only the lives of those around us but also our own lives. A study conducted by the National Institute of Health showed a direct connection between people being kind and their own happiness. Kindness is one of the fruits of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22), yet I don’t think most of us act it out consistently in our daily lives.
Drivers cut other people off in trafficeven when they’re rushing to get into the church parking lot for the prized parking space. Students hurry through the lunch line and grab several desserts, leaving others without any. We let doors slam in one another’s faces. We don’t hold the elevator for someone with baggage. We don’t ask for forgiveness when we’ve wronged someone elseinstead we excuse our behavior and say the other person is too sensitive and needs to get over it.
We need to be kinder. I need to be kinder.
By showing kindness to others, we acknowledge that every person is created in the image of God and deserves to be treated like they matter. Ultimately, God’s kindness toward us should move us to show kindness to others.
Change It: Tootsie Rolls and Starbucks
I have several friends who have really shown me what kindness is. For them, kindness is not just a “sometimes thing”it is a habit. I believe their kindness is proof of God’s Spirit living within them.
One of these people is my Uncle Tedor TJ as others call him. He’s sort of an adopted uncle for me. Uncle Ted is pushing 80 years old, but lives “younger” than most people my age. He’s one of those people who’s always giving and thinking about others. He loves Tootsie Rolls, and wants you to love them too, so he gives them out liberally. Uncle Ted always wants to buy you ice cream wherever you go. In restaurants, he often tells the waiter or waitress, “Whatever they pay you, you’re worth more.” My dad says that whenever he went into Uncle Ted’s office, Ted would look up and tell my dad, “The answer is ‘yes.’ Now what do you want?” He lives out kindness in his day-to-day life. I truly believe he’d do whatever he could to help someoneanyone. Man, I’d like to be like him.
Some people think that being “nice” is somehow not “manly.” You know, it’s the “no more Mr. Nice guy” idea. Well, if nice is synonymous with kind, then I think these people have got it all wrong. Kindness should be growing like crazy among God’s people.
When I visited Hillsong Church in Australia, our host Joel Bennett modeled kindness for us. Joel graciously asked what my mom and I wanted to do while we were there, and then took us to all the points of interest in Sydney, and took us shopping for Australian candy and clothes. We had a lot of great experiences with Joel, and Joel and I had some great conversations about the Bible. He shared experiences with us, helped us make memories, and he served us. His kindness and openness provided the grounds for a lasting friendship.
I have another friend named Justin Mayo. He’s a twenty-something guy who lives in Los Angeles at the L.A. DreamCenter. The DreamCenter is a place where people can come in off of the streets and start their lives over. Justin lives in the DreamCenter, but commutes to various places in the city to lead Red Eye, a ministry he started to reach out to young people involved in entertainment, fashion, and other culture-shaping communities in Hollywood to demonstrate love and acceptance to them. I think Justin wakes up in the morning (or maybe he just dreams all night) thinking of ways he can be kind to others. Whether it’s paying for someone’s drink at Starbucks or driving a guest around so he won’t have to take a cab, Justin is all about serving, serving, serving. Justin had me out to speak to the group at Red Eye, and I’m privileged to partner with him in his ministry. After the event, there was food left over, so Justin walked up to this homeless man and introduced himself, shaking the guy’s hand and asking him about himself. Then Justin offered the food to the guy.
Justin is one of the wildest, most amazing guys you’ll ever meet. But he’s also one of the kindest. Kindness just flows from him.
If kindness is something you really struggle with, ask God to help you empty yourself of your own desires and selfishness and fill you with his Spirit. Since kindness is a fruit of the Spirit, a life lived in step with God and his Spirit will produce more kindness.
Change It: Your Turn
I think our generation needs to be deliberate about kindness. Forget about the “random acts”let’s plan to be kind. Let’s decide we want kindness to be a habit. This requires focusing less on our own wants and needs and more on those of other people. If we became a kinder generation, I think we’ll see a huge shift in our homes, our schools, and our culture.
It might sound dramatic, but your kindness could even end up saving a life. Paying someone a little bit of respect and attention could mean the world to that person. Let’s get started. What do you say?
Brainstorm for Change
OK, here are a few ideas for how you can make the world a better place by bringing a little more kindness. None of them are earth-shattering ideas, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t important. I’m sure you can come up with some of your own.
• Find one kind thing you can do this week for someone you struggle to get along with.
• Make a cup of coffee or tea for a member of your family tonight.
• Hold a door open for someone.
• Ask if you can help someone carry a heavy load. The person may decline, but just the offer will communicate kindness.
• When you visit a bank, grocery store, or other business, ask the people working there how they are doing, and let them know you appreciate their efforts.
• Compliment someone at your school who doesn’t receive a lot of affirmation.
• Send a text message to tell a friend what you appreciate about him or her.
• Mow a lawn. Rake some leaves. Clean the bathroom. Without complaining or being asked.
You can get more ideas at http://www.actsofkindness.org.
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A study on kindness showed that kind people experience more happiness and have happier memories.
Simply by counting acts of kindness for one week, people feel happier and more grateful. (National Institute of Health)
“I think our generation needs to be deliberate about kindness.”
YES> I love this homework!! 😀
hiya PE this was the best homework assignment that i’ve ever had! it was a gentle reminder of the power behind words. one thing that i have struggled with for a very long time (and actually many many korean girls that i’ve talked with) is that it is very difficult for me to receive validation/compliments at face value. it’s never just a simple “thank you”, but rather a long explantion of why i don’t really deserve it or that it’s no big deal. working on it .. hoping to be more gracious to both give and receive validation when it comes my way!
e-hug back at you!
thought of this video all weekend…it helped me survive a night with junior high students on a confirmation reatreat…sweet!
I wish I had read this earlier, before preparing for my sermon.
When I stood in front of the congregation today and said, YOU ARE PRECIOUS, YOU ARE GOD’S BELOVED, sooo many faces lit up!
Only those two sentences, dearly meant and underlined with examples how I appreciate my congregation, made all the difference today.
Keep spreading the light, Eugene!
Did you just say “overcomplexify”? That’s awesome. I love making up words.
I must say, at first I thought it was hokey… but after a little while I got sucked in.
Words of affirmation are always welcome in my world, and I’m getting better at giving them as well as receiving them.
Posting again on this. I actually showed the video in church this last Sunday with a Mother’s Day application. A wonderful experience. Just before the service before anyone had seen the video I went up to a lady in our church who has a troubled history with her children and is in deep hurt, especially on special occasion days. I just went up to her and said, “You are great!” She looked at me, her eyes welled up with tears and she melted in my arms. The congregation is still buzzing. People get it and intuitively know that this kind of response to people would change the world, or at least their worlds.
@don bryant: wow. that made my week. thanks for sharing.