Bless you!

A blessing is a circle of light drawn around a person to protect, heal and strengthen them.” –John O’Donohue


Sometimes we use a word freely and often, and may not have really stopped to think about what it means. For me, blessing is one of those words. The “dictionary definition” makes blessing something God does, and to bless something is to ask God’s favor on someone or something.

But in Paul’s letter to the church at Rome, he turns this idea around a little. Drawing from God’s calling of Abram (Genesis 12), Paul charges the church not simply to ask God’s blessing, but to be God’s blessing. As we work, as we play—as we love, Paul reminds us to step down and step back. It’s not about us.

It is about who God created us to be. As the Body of Christ, we each have a role to play: some are teachers; some, preachers; some offer abundant hospitality. We are not all called to serve or love in the same way. As Paul puts it (via Eugene Peterson’s The Message): Love from the center of who you are. Be inventive in hospitality.

Sometimes, it takes hearing things differently to appreciate them more. This week’s daily meditations will be taken directly from The Message. Listen for God’s whisper of blessing in your heart.


Monday Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle. Romans 12:9-10

Tuesday Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they’re happy; share tears when they’re down. Get along with each other; don’t be stuck-up. Romans 12:14-16

Wednesday Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. Philippians 4:6-7

Thursday Don’t hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody. Romans 12:17

Friday Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. 1 Peter 4:7

 Saturday If you only look at us, you might well miss the brightness. We carry this precious Message around in the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives. 2 Corinthians 4:7

Sunday Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Philippians 4:4


Just to be is blessing. Just to live is holy. –Abraham Joshua Heschel

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