BLESSING
Blessing in the religion (also referred to as bestowing of such ) is the impartation of something with grace, holiness, spiritual redemption, or divine will.
” God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the water in the seas, and let the birds increase on the earth.” ( Genesis 1:22 )
“And he lifted his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.
Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.
Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.” ( Luke 6 : 20-22 )
The meaning of the word ” Blessings” in Hebrew and Greek:
In Greek, the word for blessings is “ευλογία” ( eulogia ). It is derived from the root words “ευ” (eu), meaning “good” or “well,” and “λογία” (logia), meaning “speech” or “word.” Therefore, the Greek meaning of blessings can be understood as “good words” or “speaking well.”
In Hebrew, the word for blessings is ” ברכות ” ( berakah ). It comes from the root word “ ך ַּר ָב” ( barak) , which means “to kneel” or “to bless.” The Hebrew meaning of blessings encompasses the idea of praising, adoring, or speaking well of someone or something. It can also refer to invoking divine favor or bestowing goodness upon others
Etymology
Middle English blessing, from Old English bletsunga, bledsunge, “divine grace; protecting influence (of a deity, saint); state of spiritual well-being or joy;” also of a sanction or benediction of the Pope, a priest, etc.; verbal noun from bless. The meaning “a gift from God, that which gives temporal or spiritual benefit” is from mid-14c. In the sense of “religious invocation before a meal” it is recorded from 1738. The phrase blessing in disguise is recorded from 1746.
The Hebrew word most often translated as “bless” is barak, which can mean to praise, congratulate, or salute, and is even used to mean a curse.
” bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you. ”
( Luke 6:28 )
The act of Blessing:
The act of blessing serves as a means of showing appreciation for God’s goodness and provision.
Blessings Around
It is the first occurrence, when God blessed the sea creatures and birds, telling them to be fruitful and multiply in the earth. Blessing, when expressed by humans towards God, is an act of gratitude for His mercies,
” Praise the LORD, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name. “( Psalm 103 : 1 )
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Blessing Of Co-heir
It’s through God’s grace that we are blessed to be no longer bound by fear but have received the spirit of sonship. This means that we have the incredible privilege of being heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. As co-heirs, we partake in the blessings and inheritance that come from being part of God’s family.”
” The Spirit you received does not make you slaves so that you live in fear again; rather, the
Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him, we
cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s
children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if
indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” ( Romans 8 : 15-17 )
Blessing of Mercy:
Salvation, according to Christian belief, refers to the blessings and redemption offered by Jesus Christ. It is a concept deeply rooted in biblical teachings. The Bible provides several passages that support the idea of salvation through Jesus.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him
shall not perish but have eternal life.” ( John 3:16 )
This verse highlights the belief that through faith in Jesus, individuals can receive the gift of eternal life.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is
the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2 : 8-9 )
The psalmist expresses their intention to embrace the blessings of salvation and to seek the presence of the Lord. And highlights the gratitude and desire to partake in the cup of salvation, symbolizing the abundant blessings that come from a relationship with God. ( It is a way of acknowledging and appreciating the specific mercy that prompts the act of blessing, such as giving thanks for food or expressing gratitude for other blessings. )
” I will lift up the cup of salvation
and call on the name of the LORD. ” ( Psalm 116 : 13 )
Blessing of provision:
According to biblical teachings, a blessing is seen as a divine favour or approval bestowed upon individuals, communities, or even objects. It is an act of invoking God’s grace, protection, and provision.
” Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering,” ( Genesis 4:4 )
Blessing of god’s favour:
In the Bible, blessings are often associated with specific rituals or spoken words. For example, patriarchs like Abraham and Isaac would pronounce blessings upon their descendants, passing down God’s favour and promises to future generations. Additionally, priests were designated to bless the people and offer prayers on their behalf.
” I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the
sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies,”
( Genesis 22:17 )
Blessing of well-being in mind, body, spirit:
Biblical blessings encompass various aspects, including spiritual, physical, and material well-being.
” Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. ” ( Ephesians 1:3 )
Blessing of god’s love:
They are seen as a manifestation of God’s love and care for His creation.
” For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” ( John 3:16 )
Blessings of peace:
Blessings can bring forth prosperity, success, health, and peace, as well as spiritual growth and transformation.
“‘Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.” ( Jeremiah 33:6 )
Blessing of god’s grace:
It is important to note that blessings are not solely dependent on human actions or merit but are ultimately rooted in God’s sovereignty and grace. They are seen as a testament to God’s faithfulness and His desire to bless His people.
” But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of
which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises.For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been
sought for another. But God found fault with the people and said
:
“The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant
with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah.It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt,
because they did not remain faithful to my covenant, and I turned away from them, declares the Lord.This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel
after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds
and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.
No longer will they teach their neighbour, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’
because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest.For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
By calling this covenant “new,” he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete will soon disappear. “
( Hebrew 8 : 6-13 )
Blessing to seek god’s will:
By understanding the act of blessing according to the Bible, individuals can seek to align themselves with God’s will, receive His blessings, and extend blessings to others through acts of kindness, prayer, and gratitude.
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,” ( Romans 8:1 )
“This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep his commands and remain faithful to Jesus.” ( Revelation 14:12 )
CHRIST’S BLESSING:
Paul is confident that his comings and goings are dependent on Christ’s blessing. He also recognizes how such travels serve the purpose of Christ blessing others through him. All believers can live with this confidence, as well, if we are willing to be used by God in this way.
“I know that when I come to you, I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ.” ( Romans 15:29 )
Blessing of salvation:
Paul emphasizes that placing our trust in the law for salvation or righteousness before God is akin to living under a curse. Any violation of the law results in God’s curse and a subsequent separation from Him. While the law reveals our sins, it does not offer a pathway to salvation, as it was never designed for that purpose.
” He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.” ( Galatians 3:10–13 )
Blessing of restoration:
“When discussing the restoration of those who stray due to immaturity, God employs the analogy of a farmer’s field. This analogy highlights that when rain falls, the field can either bear abundant crops or become overwhelmed by weeds and thorns. Fields that yield fruitful crops are blessed, while those overtaken by weeds are not abandoned or destroyed.”
” Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God.” ( Hebrews 6:7 )
Blessings of transformation:
Highlighting the transformative power of responding to negativity with kindness and blessings. It reminds believers that their actions have the potential to bring about blessings not only for themselves but also for others involved. By choosing to bless others, believers participate in God’s plan for their lives and open themselves up to receiving His abundant blessings.
” Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. “ ( 1 Peter 3:9 )
Blessing of being with Christ
The blessings that come from being in a relationship with Christ, state that when someone embraces Christ, they experience a complete renewal. The old ways of life, characterized by sin and separation from God, are replaced by a fresh start. And emphasizes the profound impact of forgiveness, restoration, and a renewed sense of purpose that accompanies being united with Christ.
” Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! ”
( 2 Corinthians 5:17 )
Blessing of healing:
The Lord promises His people blessings of restoration and healing. This verse reassures individuals that regardless of the afflictions or wounds they may have endured, God will bring about a renewal of health and wholeness.”
” But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the LORD, ‘because you are called an outcast, Zion for whom no one cares.’ “( Jeremiah 30:17 )
Blessed with the holy spirit:
Our bodies are more than mere physical entities; they are temples of the Holy Spirit. This concept brings forth the blessing of divine presence within us. The acknowledgement that the Holy Spirit resides in us is a profound blessing that connects us to God.
” Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
( 1 Corinthians 6: 19-20 )
Blessings of joy:
Elizabeth’s proclamation is a profound declaration of blessing upon Mary. The term “blessed” here conveys a sense of divine favour and joy. It extends beyond a mere acknowledgement, signifying a special grace and significance attached to Mary and the child she carries.
“In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! ”
( Luke 1:42 )
When the baby Jesus is presented in the temple, the righteous Simeon utters a prophetic blessing, that transcends time and extends to all.
“Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against,” ( Luke 2:34 )
Abraham’s Blessings
The Unchanging Nature of God’s Promise:
The unwavering and unchanging nature of God’s promise made to Abraham regarding descendants. It reflects the reliability and faithfulness of God in fulfilling His blessings.
saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.” ( Hebrews 6:14 )
The Gospel Preached to Abraham:
A foresight of God’s plan to bring salvation to all through faith. The blessing to Abraham extends beyond his lineage, encompassing all nations.
” Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” ( Galatians 3:8 )
A Priestly Blessing:
Melchizedek, a priestly figure who blessed Abraham. The inclusion of Melchizedek highlights a unique aspect of Abraham’s blessings, connecting them to a priestly order that goes beyond the customary blessings.
“This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him,” ( Hebrews 7:1 )
The Significance of Blessings
In Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Anglicanism, Lutheranism, and similar religious traditions, official blessings within the church are conducted by bishops, priests, and deacons. These blessings may follow specific formulas, including those associated with episcopal and papal blessings. In the liturgical context of Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, and Lutheran churches, bishops and priests bestow blessings by raising their right hand and making the sign of the cross over individuals or objects to be blessed. Additionally, blessings are given to initiate divine services and during the dismissal at the end.
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, liturgical blessings are conducted over individuals, objects, or at specific moments during divine services. Typically, a priest or bishop administers blessings using their hand, although they may also employ a blessing cross, candles, an icon, the Chalice, or the Gospel Book to bestow blessings. The act of blessing is always accompanied by making the Sign of the Cross. When using their hand, a priest holds their fingers in a specific manner to form the Greek letters IC XC, which represent the monogram of Jesus Christ.
In Protestant liturgies, such as those observed in Reformed churches or Evangelical churches, it is customary for the minister to bless the congregation towards the end of the worship service. This act of blessing, known as the benediction, serves as a concluding part of the service where the minister imparts a blessing upon the congregation.
In the Roman Catholic Church, during the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, a priest or bishop bestows blessings upon the faithful using the Blessed Sacrament displayed in the monstrance. These liturgical ceremonies follow specific guidelines provided by the Vatican’s Congregation for the Discipline of the Sacraments, ensuring proper procedures are followed.
In the Lutheran Churches, priests are often asked to bless objects frequently used by or sacred to individuals, such as a cross necklace; in addition, Lutheran clergy also bless the homes of members of the congregations.