Genesis 49:28
All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father said to them when he blessed them. He blessed them, every one with the blessing appropriate to him.
This is referring to the blessing that Jacob gave to his sons. I want to focus on the blessing we are to give others. This isn’t something mystical, just the results of our words. Peter says, “not returning evil for evil, or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:9. As we go throughout our day, we are speaking constantly. What are the result of our words? Blessing or not. Ephesians 4:29 gives a great description of this: “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those that hear.” However, we can give of what we have. Jesus said in Matt 35:34b, “For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.” If we are hurting, angry, worried, happy, etc. our words will have that flavor. We can give only of that which we have. We can bless only when we have been blessed. As we are open to God and receiving from Him, then are best able to give to others. I would also say that the blessing we give depends on our personality and style. I’m quiet, so much of my blessing is listening and offering quiet, calm responses. A friend of mine has a great sense of humor. As he speaks, his wit brings joy to people. His humor is a blessing. We don’t have to quote scripture and sound holy to bless others. As we exhibit the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness,…) through our own style, we bless others. Our own style doesn’t mean that we are to be full of ourselves. It probably also to egocentric if we walk up to others thinking, “I’m going to bless you.” It’s to be natural, not forced.
Lord, thank You for Your constant flow of blessing. They take many forms: some warm and others in the form of lessons. Help us to bless others. Fill is with Your Spirit that we have something to give.