Benediction

 

    Benediction is not a word you hear a lot, but it highlights what it is to be a thriving Christian.  Benediction is an utterance or bestowing of a blessing.  It is formally used at the end of a church service (typically Catholic), but in real life it is the words we speak to other people.  We have the power to lift people up or tear them down.  We can bring life or we can crush people.

    Christians can make benediction a part of their lives by making it a part of your conversation.  Use it in being hospitable.  The way you can speak blessings into people is to speak to in love, not anger or hate.  

    You never know the impact it may have on someone.  Take the time to take care of each other even if it is only a few words to make a person not feel alone in the world.  This includes taking care of strangers, visiting people in prison, care for the mistreated, honoring your marriage, and freeing yourself from the control of money over your life.  In general, be satisfied with what you have. 

    You can use benediction in your marriage by honoring your spouse with your words and body.  Keep yourself pure.  Try to find a way to let your spouse know you love them every day.  Don't put money or your personal desires before your marriage.   

    Leaders can give their people benediction by being faithful to God.  He put them in that position, so they need to be good stewards by treating their people well.  They have a responsibility to care for the lives they are over.  They can become a stronger leader by allowing their hearts to be strengthened by grace.  They can humbly seek to understand their people and find a way to make things work for everyone to the best of their abilities.

    We need to revere the church because it is a part of us.  We need to be led by the faithful, but even if we are not we need to live faithfully.  Jesus is the same no matter how things in life change.  He is the judge of the leaders, not you.  He is your judge, not them.  Appreciate your church community because it makes you stronger.  Work together to do good and proclaim Jesus' name.  Pray over your church leadership, so that they can lead better.  They face things as leaders that you do not.

    In life in general we all need to be blessed and speak blessing on other people.  When things get hard, the only way through without losing parts of yourself is to go through it with Jesus.  Praising Jesus produces fruit of life in your soul.  Try to be good and obediently submit in all circumstances.  In all your work find the joy in the work.  Pray for each other with a clear conscience and desire to honor God in all you do.  End every conversation with a blessing if at all possible: Grace be with you.

Hebrews 13