Blessed to Bless

The greatest blessing known to man, aside from getting to know Jesus in a personal relationship, is being a blessing to someone.

 “So encourage each other to build each other up, just as you are already doing.” I Thessalonians 5:11

I am always delighted when someone is a blessing to me for two reasons. One obvious, but not the primary reason, is it lifts me up. However, the primary reason is I know they are blessed by doing it. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) We all know how good it is to receive, but we can never fully know how good it is to give.

When was the last time you were on the receiving end of a blessing? Felt good didn’t it? When was the last time you were on the sending end of a blessing? Felt even better, didn’t it?

Recently I have had people reach out across the ages and express gratitude for what I was to them years ago. What a blessing, not just to me but to them in doing so.

One was a viable 93 year old. She was gracious in recounting past experiences, prompting exchanges.

Another was a 50 year old adult who has spent his life in ministry helping steer people on behalf of the Lord. He told of how he had invested in young lives, specifics I had invested in his life over 30 years.

Yet another had spent months trying to find out if I were alive and how to reach me. Such a special blessing.

Still was another who has had three highly successful phases to his life, a mega-contributor to many. He recalled how I visited the home of his parents and as I was leaving I looked down at him as a little boy and said to his parents, “You’ve got a winner there.” That passing comment he said motivated him to strive to be a winner in all of life.  

Remember, “Kind words are like honey sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” (Proverbs 16:24)

It has been my joy to reach out to others and express to them how they have been a blessing in my life. About 30 years ago I made a list of 15 persons who were a blessing in my life during the years of my youth. I contacted each and expressed my gratitude and abiding love for them. I am glad I did, for all of them are no longer alive.

To you the reader of this, I have prayed for all who receive it that the Lord will fulfill the following in your life today.

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6: 24 – 26