O GIVE THANKS…BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING

I have heard this phrase for years – “Blessed…to be a Blessing!” The truth is it sounds great, but I’ve often wondered if it was biblical. Is the reason God has blessed us in our lives so that we just turn around and bless others? Isn’t it also that God blesses us because He loves us, because that is His nature as a faithful Father God to bless His children with good things?

The answer, yes! God gives not because we deserve it, not because we have or can earn it, but because He is a loving, compassionate and gracious God. And to that we should say, “O give thanks to the Lord for He is Good!”

But back to this “Blessed to be a blessing.” The truth, it is biblical. Consider:

I will bless you, and make your name great,

so that you will be a blessing. Genesis 12: 2

These were God’s words as He called Abram. You see, it wasn’t just about God loving and blessing Abram, but reflected God’s heart and desire to bless others with the relationship and life that come through Him alone.

I also love these words of the Lord through the Apostle Paul in Romans 15,

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him,

so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

God’s blessings are freely given for the benefit of His people, but they are to also flow from us into the lives of others. We are blessed to be a blessing! His face shines on us…that His saving power may be known upon the earth (Ps 67: 1).

For us to share God’s love, grace and forgiveness is the greatest thanks we can give back to God! Did you hear that? To share God’s love, grace and forgiveness is the greatest thanks we can give back to God!

So, consider this…Other peoples’ lives are better, both spiritually and materially, because they have crossed our path. I pray that is the way it is with my life and I pray that you can say they same. If not, then maybe you’ve found a new way to “give thanks” back to God for His blessings in your life.

Soon we will celebrate Thanksgiving…my encouragement is that we not only thank God that we are “Blessed”, but let us also share God’s love with all those around us… because this is the greatest thanks we can give back to God! May your eyes be open each day as to whom you can bless.

James H. Rockey, Pastor

Amazing Grace Lutheran Church

Oxford, Florida