What are the characteristics of a spoken blessing?
First, I believe a spoken blessing should instill faith. The person who blesses is able to see the work of God in another person’s life and point it out. He or she observes Christ-likeness and the marks of the image of God and blesses the faith within.
Second, I believe a spoken blessing should add value to a person, affirming their potential and encouraging them to strive to build upon their potential. The blessing should stir up the passions and the gifts of the recipient, helping them to see their purpose for life and affirming their role in the Kingdom of God.
Next, the spoken blessing should affirm character. We give compliments that affirm what we do. But blessings affirm what we are and encourage us to live our lives with godly character.
Finally, the spoken blessing empowers the future by pointing to the God possibilities in life. It assists others by empowering them to rise above what others say can’t be done and to focus on what God says can be done.
What would happen to our families, our friends, and even our co-workers if we spoke blessings instead of cursings? Our tongues are like keys that unlock the potential of God within others. My prayer for you today is that you will identify one person in your life to bless, and that you will give them a gift that is greater than anything money can buy.