Last week we kicked off a new 6-week series called Everyday Rhythms. It’s based on the acronym B.L.E.S.S. from the Saturate Podcast. B is for Bless, “We intentionally bless others though serving, encouraging, giving, and thinking of those around us. Instead of focusing on ourselves, we focus on others.” You can listen to the conversation here! Today we’ll unpack ways to bless others as we go about our regular routines. But more importantly, let’s start with WHY!
Why grow in understanding ways we can bless others?
One of our core values is being Mission-Centered. We long for people to know Jesus, and we’re motivated by his Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20. The purpose of every Loved Bible is to make disciples, helping people know who Jesus is and what he’s done.
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19-20
But how do we do that?
Where do we start?
Should we just hand someone a Bible with notes inside, then scram?
Most often, disciples are made in the context of relationships.
This series is intended to help you think outside the box a little bit, and start laying a foundation with the people who are already in your life. As we move through this series, we’ll consider ways to build on this. As you pray about who to give a Loved Bible away to (Step 4 in the TLBP process), we hope you’ll also be able to move naturally into Step 5 – Invest and Invite. Invite them out for coffee to talk about the Bible, invite them to your church, and into your home as you invest time to show them Jesus.
Start with simply finding a way to bless someone you see pretty regularly.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Grab an extra coffee at the drive-thru for a teacher or co-worker.
- Find out the coach’s birthday and bring balloons or cupcakes to practice around that day.
- Write a card to the widow down the street.
- Go the the same restaurant at the same time each week, and start getting to know the same server. If they bring something up during the conversation, find a small gift to show that you remembered or simply write them a handwritten note.
- Leave a note and bottle of calming lotion on the desk of your stressed-out colleague.
- Stop to chat when you see a neighbor at the store, rather than putting your head down and tackling your list.
- Shovel snow from your neighbors drive-way or sidewalk.
Use your unique gifts and talents to make another person feel seen and valued.
Each person’s situation – and your gifts and ability to make that person feel seen and valued – is unique. Take some time to pray, asking God to show you who he’s placed in your path that he wants to bless. Isn’t it amazing that God actually works through us to do his work here on earth?
Who is the Holy Spirit putting on your heart today?
Write your ideas in the comments so we can help you pray about blessing others. Your ideas will nudge all of us toward thoughtfulness and selflessness in our everyday rhythms.