Blessing

Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing.
1 Peter 3:8-9, MSG*

Our job is to bless. And we can only do this in the power of the Holy Spirit, as He enables us to follow Jesus’ example and commit our lives to the God who judges justly.

No victim mentality or martyred airs—living confident in God, with our hope securely in Him.

Peter says then people will wonder how we can carry on so well in life’s stress. When they ask the reason for our hope, we can gently tell them how Jesus sustains us.

Father, please help me fix my heart on You, live confident in You, and live to be a blessing.

I love the way John Waller articulates the choice between blessing and cursing in his song, “The Blessing.”

*The Message (MSG) Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson

One thought on “Blessing

  1. joannamallory

    I hope it’s okay to leave the first comment here, on my own post.

    These verses struck me again in my morning devotional time and brought back the poor customer service I received yesterday. The girl wasn’t rude, just didn’t care. And she casually informed me why my dissatisfaction was considered my fault and wouldn’t negate the contract. I’ve had excellent customer service from this company in the past, but oddly it’s all fading as this one experience colours my attitude toward the company.

    Customer service trainers know this: one bad experience can change everything, and the employees represent the company — they’re the ambassadors.

    The Apostle Paul says we’re ambassadors for Christ, and this incident illustrates it for me. It’s vitally important I take time for people and treat them Jesus’ way. As a Christian, I’m never “off-duty” from living for the Master, and one careless word or attitude can alienate someone from Him.

    Praise God He forgives me when I mess up. And praise Him too for investing the extra love and effort it takes to draw that person near again.

    I can’t obsess about my failures, but I can recognize the importance of living as a blessing — and commit myself to serve in His strength, for His Kingdom. LORD, help me remember You want to make me a blessing today.

    Reply

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