In my last post I spoke about the power of blessing.
Jacob blessed his grandchildren. It impacted that family down through the generations. Grankids became familes, which grew into tribes and eventually nations. There is a lesson in this. An event which seems insignificant today, can have far-reaching and long-lasting effects, even beyond our own awareness.
We are all aware that hurts can have seemingly permanent consequences. Blessing, however, also has the power to change the future of relationships
In his letter to the diaspora, the scattered 12 tribes of Israel, James tells us a little about the power of the tongue. He starts by warning teachers, in James 3, about their greater accountability. "Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly". And then he continues, "We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check."
Even as I am thinking right now, my thoughts go to times I have offended, unintentionally. But the emphasis of this comment by James, is not to condemn, but to encourage blessing. Verse 17 tells us, "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness."
Blessing is described in these positive qualities. Blessing is pure, no ulterior motives, purely well-wishing. Blessing is peace-loving, it desires to reconcile, bring unity. Blessing is considerate, caring about others' feelings and situations. Blessing is submissive, "in humility consider others better than yourselves" (Philippians 2:3). Blessing is full of mercy, giving others the benefit of the doubt, giving them trust, another chance. Blessing is full of good fruit, our lives speak of our being blessers rather than people who tear down. Blessing is impartial, just as God is no respector of persons, neither are we, each person is our brother or sister and needs our blessing equally. And finally, blessing is sincere, it is not a form of words, rather it is an expression of the love of Jesus in our heart, towards another.
I pray that we be a band of blessers, touching lives around us, who will then pass it on to others, in an ever-expanding ripple of God's grace across this world.
I bless you today, in your relationships, your families, your friends, your employment, and above all in your relationship with the Father who loves us so dearly.
Have an awesome day,
Pastor Gerry
