In his book The Jesus Principles, Joseph Mattera imparts leadership principles from Jesus such as the following:
—Focus on people, not programs.
—Pray before choosing friends.
—Ground your spirituality in reality.
—Stay within your God-given assignment.
Most notably, Jesus exemplified the perfect balance between affirmation and correction.
Mattera says, "Jesus used the power of affirming words (and at times the power of a physical touch) to bring healing to an individual."
Jesus told a sick man to rise up, pick up his bed and walk (John 5:1–9). He spoke a word and cast out demonic influences (Matt. 8:16). He healed a leper using both an affirming word and a personal touch (Mark 1:40–45; Luke 5:12–16).
Mattera has personally experienced the power of affirmation: "As a young man maturing in my ministry calling, I remember how the words of my spiritual father had the power to bring great joy into my life or great confusion and depression."
He writes on how affirmation is psychologically proven to help a person in their growth: "Even science teaches us that words have the power to positively alter the brain, which in turn will alter the whole body."
But Jesus also corrected those He loved. A good example is the cleansing of the temple (Matt. 21:12-17). Jesus saw how His temple was being misused, and He responded by citing Scripture: "It is written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer,' but you have made it 'a den of thieves'" (v. 13).
Mattera says, "There has to be room for correction in every true relationship; otherwise, it is superficial and phony. If I truly love a person and want to help the person fulfill his or her potential, I have to be honest and bring correction when necessary, just as Jesus did."
The Jesus Principles examines the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and draws out lessons that enable readers to move from potential to fulfillment of purpose. Mattera helps readers unleash greatness in themselves, but even more importantly, in their circles of influence—their spouses, children, friends and families. 
About Joseph Mattera: Joseph Mattera is an internationally known author, consultant, practitioner and scholar whose mission is to influence leaders who influence culture. He is the founding pastor of Resurrection Church and leads several organizations, including the U.S. Coalition of Apostolic Leaders and Christ Covenant Coalition. His articles are published by numerous international media outlets and routinely ricochet across the net globally. Dr. Mattera is renowned for addressing current events through the lens of Scripture by applying biblical truths and offering cogent defenses to today's postmodern culture. Dr. Mattera has a doctor of ministry degree in Christian worldview from Bakke University, was a Ph.D. student with the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies (OCMS), and is presently a ThD candidate with Antioch University. To order his bestselling books or to join the many thousands who subscribe to his acclaimed newsletter, go to www.josephmattera.org.
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