I suppose some blessings could be just for us, for our own benefit only. But when we are told, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Eph 4:32), we are being instructed to pass it on, to share and extend the blessings to others.
2 Corinthians 9:6(f) teaches that God wants us to use our God-given resources (blessings) for His purposes, serving others, to bring glory to God.
1 Corinthians 12 instructs that spiritual gifts are given to be used for the common good, to build up Christ’s church.
I’m reminded of a wind instrument. If tone holes and the opening at its end are closed off, the air blown into the instrument, failing to pass through, will result in no sound, melody or harmony, only dead silence. No movement of air, no joyful noise.
There is movement to the commands, “Love the Lord your God, love yourself, love others,” from God, to us, on to others. Scripture tells us this applies to financial gain, forgiveness, grace, mercy, kindness, love, to name a few. These blessings are intended for our open hands, not clenched fists – to be received and shared, not held tightly only for personal gain.
We can all participate in the sharing of God’s blessings. From the Prayer of St. Francis:
“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.”
St. Francis is praying to be used as a vessel, an instrument, for God’s good, higher purposes, to serve others, for God’s blessings to be poured out through him for God’s glory. And we can participate, as well!
Lord, help us by the power of Your Holy Spirit, to be attentive and aware of those around us and in our sphere of influence. May we always be ready to offer a smile, a joyful hello, a help in some way if needed, an embrace or encouragement, a prayer. May we be alert and willing to follow Your leading. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Leave a Reply