We Are Blessed To Bless Others

By Very Revd Fr Michael Adefemi Adegbola

You have received without paying, so give without being paid (Matthew 10:8)

We live in a self-centered and self-serving world that is often cruel, grasping, indifferent, skeptical and cynical; but God wants us to be blessings to others. Freely, freely we received, freely give (Matthew 10:8). ‘When we are good to others, we are best to ourselves’ says Benjamin Franklin. Kindness and hospitality do not consist in gifts only, but in gentleness and generosity of the spirit. Kindness and hospitality should not be selective but for all without discrimination. So, blessing is from God and it is for all.

There is only one power in the world, and that is the God power, the power of good and blessings that flows from it. It is God’s nature to bless and knowing His greater purpose for blessing us should fill us with awesome, yet humbling sense of gratitude and surrender. God wants to bless us in everything we do – spiritually, materially, physically, academically, professionally and in everything else. In fact, His blessings are endless and it is never His intention for His blessings to end with us. He wants us them to flow out to others as part of His plan for the whole earth. We sometimes may not receive things we want because they do not contribute to God’s higher purpose. When God blesses us, He is doing something in and through us to affect the lives of others.

As humans, we carry personal stories, experiences and silent struggles marked by pain, failure, disappointment, confusion, frustration, loss and difficult choices. We experience difficult situations involving infertility palaver, bereavement, corruption, violence, addictions and betrayal that require divine blessing, healing and restoration. In all these situations, small everyday godly actions can deeply touch and impact those around us – listening, encouraging, sharing, helping and praying for others. We are called to bless people in our lives wherever we are, north, south, east or west. We are challenged to be a blessing to others and letting the light of God shine through us (Matthew 5:14-16).

We are blessed to bless. So, let us not allow the comfort and pleasures of His blessings blind us to their intended purpose. God’s ultimate goal for blessing us encompasses far more than simply making us happy, peaceful, protected and prosperous. To really bless others is to show them the love of God that we have experienced and to extend His grace to them (John 13:34; Ephesians 4:29; 1 Peter 4:10). When we are blessings to others, God is pleased and glorified (Hebrews 13:16; Matthew 5:16).

We can bless others by giving them quality time; writing a note of encouragement; sending inspiring text messages, praying for people; helping in house chores; honoring our parents and senior citizens; visiting the sick; smiling at someone we meet; spreading positivity and joy; and praying for our friends and neighbors.
Blessings comes from God. We do not deserve them and we cannot earn them. God gives such blessings because it brings Him joy to bring joy to us (1 Timothy 6:17).

There is great reward in knowing and loving God, the source of all blessings and the fountain of all goodness. As Christians, God should be our ultimate focus. We must use our God given time, resources, treasures and talents to serve people. We have to think beyond our comfort and gain. We must remember that with every fresh breath of air we inhale, a miracle takes place. Let us be grateful and know that God blesses us so we can bless others. May we be blessed beyond measures and soar to greater height like an eagle.

..Very Revd Fr Michael Adefemi Adegbola, Vicar General, Kano Diocese, Nigeria