#BLESS

Many of us who use social media are probably very familiar with the hashtag, #blessed. Believers and non-believers alike use it for pretty much any and every good thing they post about, basically to the point that it’s overused. Granted, that might be a slightly exaggerated perception of mine so don’t take my word for it. Anyway, since we’re on the subject of the word “blessed,” I’d like to go into a little more depth on what this word means for us as followers of Christ who are more than just blessed ourselves; we are also called to bless others. 

The Miriam Webster Dictionary defines the adjective, “blessed” four different ways, one of them being a means of enjoying happiness; the term we often refer to when using the social media hashtag to describe how good our lives are at the moment. Then we also have the verb, “bless” which is defined seven different ways, one of which means “to confer prosperity or happiness upon.” This term is the one we’ll be looking at as we consider what it looks like to bless the people around us.  

This semester, CoMission is using an acronym called B.L.E.S.S., which implements five missionary rhythms that we are learning to apply to our everyday lives as we interact with students and non-students alike; both within our church body, as well as those outside of it. Below is the list of action steps that we can begin taking as we learn to “bless” students at the USFSP campus for the sake of the Gospel. Our current students (especially our student leaders) are also learning how to bless their fellow students (classmates, roommates; students we may not otherwise be able to reach) by practicing this unique method as well. In fact, this method is so simple, it’s been said that a 5-year-old can do it. At least to some small extent. 

B - Be praying: pray for God to show you where and with whom He's already at work. Pray with and for people to whom God has called you. 

L - Listen and engage: prioritize asking questions over talking, and create spaces to intentionally engage with those to whom God has called you

E - Eat: spend time eating meals with people, grabbing coffee, or enjoying happy hour with those to whom God has called you 

S - Serve: meet needs, be selfless, practically serve others

S - Story: share stories of Jesus or The Story in 4. Be ready to invite others to discover Jesus with you.

Speaking of acronyms, I’m sure we’re all familiar with the popular W.W.J.D. (What Would Jesus Do?). As cheesy as that one might be, practicing B.L.E.S.S. actually allows us to live like Jesus did (and still would, were He on earth today). Think about it. He intentionally engaged in conversation with the Samaritan woman (John 4:1-26); He ate meals and spent time with people, including those who were unpopular, like Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10); He served the disciples by washing their feet (John 13:1-17); He told stories that brought people to Himself (Luke 15-16:13). And of course, I’m sure Jesus prayed all the time for the people He interacted with as well. 

These things that Jesus did are all things we can do as well, to ensure that the seed of the Gospel is planted in the heart of each and every person we come into contact with. To bless others simply by living as Jesus lived and being His witnesses can impact those lives for eternity and in due time, we will be blessed with a reward that is far greater than anything here on earth can give; to enter the kingdom of heaven and hear our Father say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant….Enter into the joy of your lord.” (Matthew 25:21 & 23)