How can we apply the principle of blessing others in our daily lives? Passing On Blessing: Genesis 48:20 in Focus “So he blessed them that day and said, ‘By you shall Israel pronounce this blessing: May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh.’ Thus he put Ephraim before Manasseh.” (Genesis 48:20) What Scripture Shows About Blessing • Blessing is an intentional act, spoken or demonstrated, that calls down God’s favor on another person. • It is rooted in faith that the LORD actively honors words and deeds aligned with His covenant promises. • In Genesis 48, Jacob—near death—deliberately positions his hands to deliver God’s goodness to the next generation, modeling a lifestyle that looks beyond self-interest. The Thread of Blessing in the Bible • Genesis 12:2 – “I will bless you… and you will be a blessing.” God’s purpose is always outbound. • Numbers 6:24-26 – “The LORD bless you and keep you…” A priestly pattern for God’s people to pronounce grace. • Luke 6:28 – “Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Jesus extends the practice even toward enemies. • 1 Peter 3:9 – “Repay evil with blessing… so that you may inherit a blessing.” A New-Covenant echo of Jacob’s heart. Why God Invites Us to Bless Others • It reflects His generous character (James 1:17). • It spreads the knowledge of His name (Psalm 67:1-2). • It multiplies joy in giver and receiver (Proverbs 11:25). • It advances the gospel by displaying tangible love (John 13:35). Practical Ways to Bless People Every Day 1. Commit the first moments of the morning to pray specific blessings over family, friends, coworkers. 2. Keep a short “blessing list” on your phone—names of those who need encouragement; speak or text one life-giving sentence each day. 3. Carry small gift cards or handwritten notes to hand out when the Spirit nudges. 4. Before meetings, silently ask God to grant favor, clarity, and peace to everyone at the table. 5. Look for unnoticed workers (custodians, delivery drivers) and publicly thank them. 6. Set aside a portion of every paycheck to sow into missions, benevolence, or a struggling neighbor. 7. At home, place a hand on each child’s shoulder nightly and verbalize a Scripture promise over them. 8. When wronged, respond with kindness—refusing gossip, extending forgiveness, offering help where possible. 9. Offer practical skills (cooking, tutoring, car repair) to those who cannot repay. 10. Practice hospitality: open your table for a meal, share your story, listen well. Blessing Words: Speaking Life • Proverbs 18:21 reminds, “The tongue has the power of life and death.” • Aim for statements that mirror God’s heart: – “The LORD strengthen you today.” – “May the peace of Christ guard your mind.” – “God has gifted you for good works; I see Him at work in you.” • Replace criticism with edifying language (Ephesians 4:29). Blessing Actions: Serving Love • Jesus “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38). Follow His pattern: – Random acts of generosity: pay a bill, drop off groceries. – Consistent service: volunteer weekly, mentor a youth. – Crisis response: show up during illness, bereavement, or job loss. Blessing Attitude: Carrying Christ’s Aroma • Colossians 3:12 – Clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience. • A heart aligned with heaven naturally spills blessing: joy in trial, hope in hardship, praise in ordinary tasks. Blessed Results: God’s Ripple Effect • Others encounter the Father’s love and may turn to Him (Matthew 5:16). • Communities experience peace and justice as believers act as salt and light. • Personal faith deepens; “with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38). • The church shines as God’s family, marked by supernatural generosity (Acts 4:33-35). Summary Jacob’s deliberate blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh models an everyday calling: intentionally channel God’s favor to those around us. By aligning our words, actions, and attitudes with Scripture, we participate in the divine pattern that began in Genesis and finds its fulfillment in Christ—“who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 1:3, paraphrase of). As we bless, we mirror the heart of our Father, and His goodness multiplies through us. |
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