Blessed to Be a Blessing

"I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others."

Genesis 12:

The phrase "blessed to be a blessing" may be overused in some Christian circles today, but its truth must not be forgotten. The case of Abram is exemplary. God promised to bless him richly, turning his progeny into a great nation and giving him great honor (literally, "making his name great"). Yet Abram's benefit is not the end of God's purpose. God will bless him so that he might be "a blessing to others." In fact, the next verse adds: "All the families on earth will be blessed through you." God chose Abram, and through him a people, in order to bless all nations.

We who stand in Abram/Abraham's lineage by faith have also been richly blessed by God. And we also have been called to share this blessing with others, to give away generously the grace that God has showered upon us.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: How has God blessed you? How are you using this blessing for others? Is there a way you might bless someone this very day with that which God has given to you?

PRAYER: Gracious God, first of all I thank you for the multitude of ways you have blessed me. First and foremost, you have given me eternal life through Jesus Christ. Upon this foundation you have showered me with blessing upon blessing. Thank you!

I confess that it's all too easy for me to enjoy my blessings without giving them away to others. Forgive me for my selfishness.

May I see myself in the line of Abraham, blessed to be a blessing to others. As you have been gracious to me, may I be gracious to others. As you have been kind, may I be kind . . . and forgiving . . . and patient . . . and encouraging . . . and on and on. Use me this day, dear Lord, as an instrument of your grace in the lives of others. Amen.