Blessed to Bless, Pt. 5

We may not like the way others act or treat us, but we should accept them and show them grace and love, as God has done for us.

Blessed to Bless, Pt. 5

"And be kind to one another."

(Ephesians 4:32)

My daughter Hannah and her family love the Christian band Cain. One of their favorite songs by the band is "I'm So Blessed". Here is the link where you can listen to the song and watch the video:

...and here are some of the lyrics:

"Trouble knocking at my door today. I ain't gonna let it in. And worry wanna steal my joy away. But I ain't gonna let it win. 'Cause on my best day, I'm a child of God. On my worst day, I'm a child of God. Oh, everyday is a good day. And You're the reason why, I'm so blessed, I'm so blessed. Got this heartbeat in my chest. No, it doesn't matter about the rest. If I got You Lord, I'm so blessed."

This week, I have been sharing about the principle of being blessed so we can be a blessing to others. Dr. Charles Stanley taught this lesson in one of his messages in the "30 Life Principles" series he preached at the FBC Atlanta, GA. I encourage you to check out those messages online at intouch.org. You will be blessed; I know I have been.

Stanley lists ten ways Jesus blesses us today. His teachings on the subject are profound but also simple and easy to understand. When we teachers or preachers shoot over people's heads in our teaching, the only thing we demonstrate is we are poor shooters! Jesus hit His target every time. He spoke the truth in love, using language everyone could understand, and He often sprinkled in stories or parables to drive home the point He was making. Here are the remaining five ways Jesus blesses us and how we can follow His example and do the same for others:

He encourages us. Romans 15:5 says, "Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus." What a joy it is to encourage people out of the overflow of encouragement God gives to us. I think of Mary Lou Morgette. She is 93 years-young and always is a blessing, both in what she tells me on Sundays and what she sends to me in emails. Joe Helen Riley passed away last week at 105 years of age. Every person that worked where she lived made a point to come by and tell her goodbye. What a blessing. She was so blessed because that is how she lived her life. People are not going to take their time to go see someone who was mean to them!
He has accepted us. Romans 15:7 says, "Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God." We may not like the way others act or treat us, but we should accept each of them as a person. God has accepted us, and we do not deserve it.
He is patient with us. Ephesians 4:2 says, "With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love." Anyone else need to grow in this area? I know I need to. The less selfish I am, the more patient I am with other people.
He is kind to us. Ephesians 4:32 says, "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." Don't do things for others in order that you might get, but do it to be a blessing. Do not engage in criticism. Be kind and use your tongue for life (Proverbs 18:21).
He shares with us. Ephesians 4:28 says, "Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need." Are you a getter or a giver? Stanley said that in heaven you will not be rewarded for what you get but what you give. So very true.

I hope what I shared with you this week has both helped and challenged you in your walk with Christ.

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