Christian Writers Circle

Inherit a Blessing
by Brenda D. Flowers

8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; 9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing……15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. (1 Peter 3: 8, 9 & 15-17 NKJV; I encourage you to read all of 1 Peter 3 to get the full meaning in context.)

Have you been missing the hugs of family and close friends in 2020 like I have? As most of us have tried to follow the government required social distancing guidelines to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus, we have respectfully kept a distance of 6 feet or more. For a person like me who loves to give and receive hugs, this has been hard. I honestly have experienced waves of sadness and loneliness as I have not been able to visit some family and friends for many months. I’m asking the Lord if this is His will. How are we as Christians to balance our response to the current state of affairs in our nation and in the world?

God’s word is clear that we are called to love and compassion. What are ways that we can reach people with love and compassion?

Chris Brown, Cody Carness, Kari Jobe, and Steven Furtick found a way when they wrote the song, “The Blessing”, which was released in March of this year, as a lead single from Elevation Worships’ 12th album (according to Wikipedia). This song is based upon Aaron’s priestly blessing as recorded in Numbers 6: 24-26. The writers of this song have shared their testimony regarding the writing of this song which you may read on-line.

I was touched by Kari Jobe’s words that were quoted in the July article of christianitytoday.com:  “‘Because this song is based on Scripture, the message is timeless, and we wanted to release it as quick as we could knowing the effect it could have on people’s hearts and spirits immediately, as it did ours,’ Jobe told The Christian Beat . “God knew it would be something we could hold onto during a season of our lives that’s full of uncertainties and unknowns.” The article is entitled, “‘The Blessing’ Sung Around the World: 100 Virtual Choirs Spread Worship Anthem.” It describes how this song has given churches “the chance to unite behind a common message.”

I can testify that God used this song to speak to me when I was feeling sad and lonely. God blessed me through the message of this song.

Let’s encourage each other today as we remember the blessings of knowing Jesus Christ. He is interceding for us right now.

Prayer:  Thank you, Lord, for the hug you give us through “The Blessing.”