How am I a Blessing?

Hebrews 7:7 (NLT)

    And without question, the person who has the power to bless is always greater than the person who is blessed.

1.  Do I bless others in a way that thoughtfully brings out God’s best and inner satisfaction in others? 

Hebrews 10:24 (CEV) 

    We should keep on encouraging each other to be thoughtful and to do helpful things.

Luke 1:18-20 (NLT) 

    Zechariah said to the angel, "How can I know this will happen? I'm an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years."

    [19] Then the angel said, "I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news! [20] And now, since you didn't believe what I said, you won't be able to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly come true at the proper time."

Luke 1:34-35 (NLT) 

    Mary asked the angel, "But how can I have a baby? I am a virgin."

    [35] The angel replied, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby born to you will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God.

Consider what is convenient to give, versus what are the genuine needs of the other person – and choose the response and behavior that blesses most

We bless most effectively by first patiently considering what brings out God’s best in the other person and then tailoring our Biblical response to meet that need. 

Consider what is personally satisfying to give, versus the genuine needs of the other person – and choose the response and behavior that blesses most

2.  Is the way I am blessing others done in the most loving way that reflects the heart of God or Christ-likeness?

John 13:34-35 (NIV)

    "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

Col. 3:23 (NIV)

    Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,

Matthew 15:8 (NLT)

        'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far away.

Proverbs 27:23 (NLT)

    Know the state of your flocks, and put your heart into caring for your herds,

3.  Am I a blessing to others with an attitude of a servant?

Jeremiah 1:6-7 (NLT)

    "O Sovereign Lord," I said, "I can't speak for you! I'm too young!" "Don't say that," the Lord replied, "for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you.

Exodus 4:10-14 (NLT)

    But Moses pleaded with the Lord, "O Lord, I'm just not a good speaker. I never have been, and I'm not now, even after you have spoken to me. I'm clumsy with words."

    [11] "Who makes mouths?" the Lord asked him. "Who makes people so they can speak or not speak, hear or not hear, see or not see? Is it not I, the Lord? [12] Now go, and do as I have told you. I will help you speak well, and I will tell you what to say."

    [13] But Moses again pleaded, "Lord, please! Send someone else."

    [14] Then the Lord became angry with Moses…

Unconditional love does not equal uncritical love

Philip. 1:9-10 (Msg)

    So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well. Learn to love appropriately. You need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush…

Galatians 6:2, 5 (NIV)

    Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ…for each one should carry his own load.

Matthew 24:45-47 (NIV)

    "Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? [46] It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. [47] I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.