May 14, 2019
By Steve King
Are you a blessing to others?
The Bible is crystal clear—the people of God are called to be a blessing to all people they encounter (Genesis 12:1-3; 1 Peter 3:8-9). I have long been influenced by a book that traces the biblical concept of the blessing and clarifies its relational aspects: The Blessing by John Trent and Gary Smalley.
Recently I reviewed and applied, with several others, the five relational aspects of a biblical blessing. All of us long to experience these five, especially children and marriage partners, even if they are not specifically aware of them.
Memorize the five aspects of a biblical blessing, and then apply them to your relationships:
- Touch – Non-sexual meaningful touch is essential for children from their parents and is life-giving to those who receive it from their spouse and significant people in their lives.
- Words – Spoken words that are sincere, positive, and encouraging make permanent and invigorating impressions on the outlook of those who receive them.
- Value – Communicating the high value others have to God and to us both honors and encourages them. (Note: the Hebrew word for honor is “heavy” or “weighty,” and the opposite word means “vapor”). We communicate value to people by listening, serving, investing in, and praying for them.
- Future – Articulating a special future for someone requires knowing them, affirming their gifts, and clarifying the meaningful contribution they can provide to others.
- Commitment – This part of the blessing consists of consistently communicating how much God and you are committed to the person’s well-being, no matter what.
Reviewing the five reminded me of how I used to put our boys to bed every night when they were young. I would place my hand on their head and say, “Wisdom in your mind.” Then I would place my hand on their shoulder and say, “Strength in your body.” Finally, I would place my hand on their heart and say, “Courage in your heart, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.” To this day, my sons love for me to give them this blessing when we are together.
Memorize and apply God’s call to us to be a blessing as recorded in 1 Peter 3:8-9: “To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.”