Last week I introduced
you to a book entitled “The Five Habits of Highly Missional People” by Michael
Frost. He mentions that our actions can help shape our faith and he challenges
his readers to take on five habits which I mentioned last week. This week, I
want to highlight the first habit which is the habit of blessing;
I will bless three people this week, at least one of whom is
unchurched.
The etymology of the term bless is “to add strength to another’s arm.” Therefore, to bless another is to build them up, to fill them with encouragement for them to increase in strength and prosperity.
So what does it mean to add strength to another’s arm? Anything that relieves their burden in life. Anything that helps them breathe more easily. Anything that lifts their spirit or alleviates the distress. It can be a small thing or a large thing.
Frost suggests three forms of blessing another. First, words of affirmation – send a note, write an email, text them something encouraging. Someone said, “A word of encouragement is like oxygen to the soul.” Encouragement requires empathy and seeing the world from another’s perspective. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Second, acts of kindness. Who doesn’t feel blessed when someone does them a favor or provides some kind of practical support? We just finished a series on generosity and asked people to demonstrate acts of kindness and then to tell me about it. Even though the series is over, demonstrating acts of kindness is not. Please continue to send me your stories.
Third, gifts. A gift of love can show the recipient that they are known, cared for, and valued. Is there a single mom who would appreciate a food basket? Or someone down in their luck that would appreciate a meal, or a special gift? You get the idea.
Make the habit of blessing others an ongoing habit in your life...starting today.
The etymology of the term bless is “to add strength to another’s arm.” Therefore, to bless another is to build them up, to fill them with encouragement for them to increase in strength and prosperity.
So what does it mean to add strength to another’s arm? Anything that relieves their burden in life. Anything that helps them breathe more easily. Anything that lifts their spirit or alleviates the distress. It can be a small thing or a large thing.
Frost suggests three forms of blessing another. First, words of affirmation – send a note, write an email, text them something encouraging. Someone said, “A word of encouragement is like oxygen to the soul.” Encouragement requires empathy and seeing the world from another’s perspective. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Second, acts of kindness. Who doesn’t feel blessed when someone does them a favor or provides some kind of practical support? We just finished a series on generosity and asked people to demonstrate acts of kindness and then to tell me about it. Even though the series is over, demonstrating acts of kindness is not. Please continue to send me your stories.
Third, gifts. A gift of love can show the recipient that they are known, cared for, and valued. Is there a single mom who would appreciate a food basket? Or someone down in their luck that would appreciate a meal, or a special gift? You get the idea.
Make the habit of blessing others an ongoing habit in your life...starting today.
Be a
blessing,
P.S. Ever
question your purpose in life? Ever ask yourself “What drives my life" or "What
am I here for"? For encouragement and answers don’t miss the new series starting
this Sunday called “It’s My Life.” Join us at 9:00am or
10:30am!
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