Blessed To Be A Blessing

Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. (John 13:1 NIV)

God made us to live in a loving relationship with Him and also with each other.  In our fallen state we tend to build toxic relationships because we are needy and our approach to the relationship is from a place of need rather than from a place of love and blessing. Inside we have a deep need to be loved.  God created us that way.  God intended for us to be a blessing to each other in the safety of a loving relationship.  His plan is that we each have the gift of giving rather than the desire of getting.  The apostle Paul quoted the Lord Jesus as saying “It is more blessed to give than to receive”.  That's the fundamental shift we need to make in our hearts and minds when we have previously used others to meet our needs.  We need to sort out which of our relationships are unhealthy and begin to make amends. 

Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”  (Luke 6:37-38 NIV)

When approaching another to make amends we need to remember that they may have been hurt by our actions.  The person may also have a co-dependent nature which allowed them to feel better when they provided for our needs. God in His wisdom will guide and direct us as we seek Him for a loving approach to restoring any unhealthy relationship.  The scripture tells us the actions we are to implement, “do not judge”, “do not condemn”, “forgive”, “give”, and as the quality of these gifts are measured to the other person, they will be measured to us again, pressed down, shaken together and running over into our lap.  What abundance.  This is how we understand how truly blessed our relationships will be when we follow the ways of the Lord.   

Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (James 1:4-5 NIV)

Why not unexpectedly bless someone you are in relationship today with a selfless act of kindness?

©2015 Partners in Hope