Being a blessing to others

“But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself …” Daniel 1:8

Welcome Dan Gavin to our list of godly Freedom Fighter bloggers. Dan is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and is now serving in our internship program.

We use the words “God bless you” and “I’m blessed” often in the Christian community. Do we really understand what it means to be a blessing to others? Do we really understand what it truly means to “be blessed”?

When I arrived at Americas Keswick, my parents challenged me with this statement, “Daniel, go and be a blessing.”

How could I be a blessing to someone else until I knew how blessed I really was myself.

The word blessed used in the sermon on the mount in Matthew 5 comes from the Greek word “makarios” best defined as self-contained happiness. Regardless of what is happening externally around us (our circumstances) we can be truly happy internally. We can genuinely bless others only as we understand what it means to “live by faith in Christ” Galatians 2:20.

Two of my favorite biblical examples of men who were blessings to others are Joseph and Daniel, both taken from their homes as slaves, both Hebrew prisoners in a strange land, both dreamers, understanding and interpreting their dreams. Both Joseph and Daniel refused to forsake their faith and their God, unwilling to compromise to even the smallest degree. These young men were a true blessing in the homes in which they lived and because of their devotion to God he raised them to positions of power, honor and glory. God sustained them in years and granted them favor according to his will.

So, we can “purpose in our hearts” Daniel 1:8 with resolve to be a blessing to others and affirm our brother, by building a person up, in word, in thought, in deed, or just by our presence. Share the love of God through the way that you live, be blessed, be a blessing, and most importantly bring glory to God. – Dan Gavin is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy now serving in internship

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 39-40; Mark 10:1-31 – Audio version is located at the top left hand side of the page

Quote of the day:  All of salvation is to make us look good! We who are dirty, worn, broken, and sinful are to be the showcase of heaven.  Kenneth Pike

Bible Memory: Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. Psalm 119:17-18