How To Bless (5)

When we think of blessing others, we tend to think of saying words that are helpful, kind, or express our desire that something good happen or be received by them. We say, “May God bless you,” or something similar or more personal. But blessing others has to be more than just words:

“If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,’ but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” James 2:15-17

So, the words, “Depart in peace” are nice, and, “Be warmed and filled,” are wishing them a blessing, but if that’s where it ends, the Spirit asks, “What does it profit?” When we only say a blessing when we can do a blessing, the Spirit says that is faith without works and it is dead!

“Those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works” (Tit 3:8). This means more than simply obeying Jesus and worshiping. Jesus, “…went about doing good…” (Ac 10:38). Blessing others by doing and giving to them is one way we follow Jesus. It’s how we let our lights shine (Matt 5:16). It’s why we remember Dorcas, who famously was, “…full of good works and charitable deeds” (Ac 9:36).

Scripture tells us to bless the poor by helping them (Psa 41:1-2). Showing mercy and being generous blesses others (Prov 11:21, 25; 22:9). Showing mercy and being peacemakers is a blessing (Matt 5:7). It’s not easy. We have to work our jobs so we will have things to give (Eph 4:28). And we even do good to those who hate us (Lk 6:27) so we can “…overcome evil with good” (Rom 12:21)

It’s not easy, so, “Let us not grow weary while doing good” (Gal 6:9). It’s our calling (1 Pet 3:9). We are, “Created in Christ Jesus for good works…” (Eph 2:10). So, we take blessing a step farther. We can SAY a blessing. We can DO a blessing. But we can BE a blessing. Be a blessing today.            dd