Open-handed Blessings

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. not paying back evil for evil or insult for insult but, on the contrary, giving a blessing, since you were called for this, so that you may inherit a blessing. (I Peter 3:8-9, ESV)

I have often said, and heard numerous others say, “I am blessed.” We truly are, regardless of our social status or the balance in our bank accounts. Blessings are so much more than the material goods God allows us to enjoy. As I thought about my many blessings, I began to question, have I been a blessing? What have I done to enrich someone else’s life?

First Peter 4:10 tells us, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (ESV). God makes us a steward, a caretaker, of the blessings He has given us so in turn we can bless others. What an awesome responsibility and honor to share God’s blessings with others.

It has always been part of God’s plan for us to be helpers one of another. We see this in Old Testament law when they were instructed: “For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land’” (Deuteronomy 15:11, ESV). Please note—this was a command, not a suggestion they might want to consider if they felt generous that day.

Perhaps you are thinking, “But that’s just an Old Testament thing and really doesn’t apply to modern day living.” The New Testament also contains numerous passages that tell us to care about the welfare of others. Take a look at I John 3:17. “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?” (ESV). God says if we ignore another’s need when we have the ability to help, then we do not love like He loves.

Being a blessing to someone does not necessarily mean giving them financial assistance, although in some circumstances it is needed. There are so many ways to share with others—our time, our knowledge, our encouragement, and yes, our mercy. But first we must slow down enough to see that person’s needs.

Have you noticed that sharing our blessings just brings that many more blessings back to us? Blessings beget blessings.  Luke 6:38 describes it this way:

“Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you” (ESV). If we give small, what we received back will also be small. When we give generously, we receive generously.

The giver benefits as much as the recipient. A giving spirit fills our life with contentment and thankfulness. We experience joy when we share God’s blessings with others.

Be a good steward of God’s blessings. The secret is living with an open hand rather than a closed heart.

(Additional scriptures for study: Proverbs 11:24; Matthew 5:42; Luke 12:48; Philippians 2:4; Hebrews 13:16; James 1:27)