Way Of Love: Spiritual Practices For Disciplesعينة

BLESS

One of the most profound practices we share as Christians is to bless one another, and we do this by becoming participants in the flow of Christ’s love in the world. The word “bless” comes from the Old English bletsian, “to consecrate by a religious rite, make holy, give thanks,” and in exploring this practice, we might consider Paul’s prayer to the church at Ephesus that “Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love.”

What does it mean to be “rooted and grounded in love?” For me it means that when the storms of life come and the winds of despair threaten to take away my hopes and dreams, I am safely rooted in the soil of God’s gracious love and forgiveness. And although I may bend with the weight of pain and suffering, in the end I will not break because I am grounded in the love of Christ.

From the depths of our personal brokenness and depression God will give us a life of joy, purpose, and meaning, and it is our call as Christians to reach out and help (bless) those around us who might also be in the depths of loneliness and despair. Author Anne Lamott expands this thought, saying, “If you are no longer in bondage to a person or a way of life, tell your story. Risk freeing someone else.”

It’s risky business to confront our fears and share our story, but by doing so we are a blessing to those who might need our words of encouragement. Acknowledging with compassion the pain and suffering of others is one way that we bless those around us, and God will give us the strength and courage we need. We need only ask!

• Author Anne Lamott speaks of freeing someone else by sharing our story. In what ways is this true for you?
• When have you been blessed by another’s loving kindness and compassionate act? Do you consciously make an intentional effort to bless others with your story?

Mary Foster Parmer, Creator and Director, Invite Welcome Connect, Beecken Center of the School of Theology, University of the South, Sewanee, TN