How can we apply the concept of blessing others in our daily lives? The Blessing Spoken over Rebekah (Genesis 24:60) “They blessed Rebekah and said to her, ‘Our sister, may you become thousands upon ten thousands, and may your offspring possess the gate of their enemies.’” • A family releases life-shaping words as Rebekah steps into an unknown future. • Multiplication (“thousands upon ten thousands”) and victory (“possess the gate”) are declared as facts before they are seen. • The blessing is intentional, verbal, and rooted in God’s covenant promises to Abraham (Genesis 22:17). What a Blessing Entails • Affirmation of identity – “Our sister” acknowledges relationship and worth. • Vision for fruitfulness – speaking God-given potential over someone’s life. • Agreement with Scripture – echoing what God has already promised. • Spoken in faith – trusting God to fulfill what is uttered (Hebrews 11:1). Words That Give Life • “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” (Proverbs 18:21) • “Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up.” (Ephesians 4:29) • The same tongue must not bless God and curse people (James 3:9-10). Our speech either releases heaven’s atmosphere or stifles it; blessing chooses the former. Practical Ways to Speak Blessing Today • Greet family members each morning with Scripture-based affirmations: “The LORD bless you and keep you” (Numbers 6:24-26). • Speak destiny over children at bedtime: “God has good works prepared for you” (Ephesians 2:10). • Send a co-worker a short note of appreciation, calling out a strength you see. • When someone shares bad news, respond first with a blessing: “May the Lord grant you peace and wisdom.” • End phone calls with parents or friends by voicing a brief promise of God: “May His favor rest on you today.” Beyond Words: Actions that Carry Blessing • Give tangible help—meals, rides, childcare—so spoken kindness is matched by deeds (1 John 3:18). • Practice generous tipping, anonymous gifts, or covering someone’s bill. • Offer time: listening without hurry is a powerful, modern-day blessing. • Open your home for hospitality; Abraham’s tent led to promised blessing (Genesis 18:1-10). Blessing Those Who Oppose Us • “Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:28) • “Bless and do not curse.” (Romans 12:14) • Choosing blessing over retaliation keeps our hearts free and invites God to work in theirs (1 Peter 3:9). Passing the Blessing to the Next Generation • Isaac blesses Jacob and Esau “concerning things to come.” (Hebrews 11:20) • Make blessing part of family culture: lay hands on children or grandchildren before big decisions, school days, marriages. • Record a written blessing in a Bible or journal; future generations can read it and remember. Living as a Channel of God’s Blessing • Stay saturated in the Word so your mouth overflows with His promises (Psalm 119:11). • Walk in obedience; a pure vessel carries blessing without obstruction (Deuteronomy 28:1-2). • View every interaction—store clerks, neighbors, online meetings—as an assignment to transmit God’s favor. • The more freely we bless, the more we experience the joy of Abraham’s call: “All the families of the earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:3) |
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