Scripture tells us we can reach out to people through serving them in practical ways, by showing kindness, compassion and generosity and through providing Biblical solutions to their problems.
by Robert Crawford
I sometimes get asked this question as a pastor: What is a blessing? It is defined in the dictionary as a “special favor that gives a benefit.” If someone benefits from something done for them, it may be considered a blessing. With that in mind, what does it mean to bless someone else? We can do it with a simple smile that brightens their day, by cooking them a meal and by sharing resources like time and money.
We are Abraham’s descendants, spiritually speaking, and we inherit this promise from Galatians 3:29: If you belong to Christ, then you are true children of Abraham.
“We can do it with a simple smile that brightens their day, by cooking them a meal and by sharing resources like time and money.”
Robert Crawford
From a spiritual standpoint, a blessing usually means that it comes from God. That’s why we say phrases like “God bless you,” which means we desire that He takes care of that person and works in their best interests, according to His will. God blesses us so that we can be His channels of blessing to the world, and He blesses us so that we can be a blessing to those around us. There are many ways we can be a blessing to others.
Romans 12:6–8 tells us: “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.”
We bless others by serving them and helping them in practical ways. When we serve people—at home, at church or elsewhere—we do it to bless their lives. As you serve your employer, customers or others at your workplace, do it with the motivation of being a blessing to their lives.
We also bless others through kindness, by being an encouragement to them and showing them compassion. We demonstrate care and concern. We identify and engage with people. Romans 12:15 tells us to “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”
In addition, we bless others through generosity. Acts 20:35 tells us: “I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” However, we need to be careful in what ways we give and to whom we give. In some situations, it is better to give in kindness rather than in cash, in case people do not know how to manage money given to them.
Finally, we bless others when we take on problems and bring potential solutions. Some problems we solve can literally bless thousands of people. Always remember, we are blessed to be a blessing.
Rev. Dr. Robert Lee Crawford Sr. is the pastor of Grace United Methodist Church in Covington. For information, visit www.graceunitedmethodistchurch.net.
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