Rev. Margaret Minnicks is an ordained Bible teacher. She writes many articles that are Bible lessons.
The words "bless," "blessed," and "blessing" are recorded in the Holy Bible over 400 times. Even when those words are not used, God's blessings are implied. Therefore, one of the great themes of the Bible is about God's blessings.
The words are heard everywhere these days. People say, "Be blessed." When you greet someone, you might ask, "How are you?" Without hesitation, the person might answer by saying, "Blessed and highly favored."
Some people say, "More than blessed" or "Better than blessed." No one can be more than blessed or better than blessed. There is no comparative or superlative degree of the word bless. You cannot be better than blessed. If so, what is it?
It is admirable that people use those terms, but it appears that the word "blessed" has become a catchword and is overused. People should not use the word out of habit or just because everybody else is doing so. When that happens, the word becomes void of its true and intended meaning.
Overusing 'Blessed' in Casual Conversations
In casual conversations, there are more appropriate words to use instead of overusing the word "blessed."
We say, "God bless you" after someone sneezes. We end telephone conversations with "Be blessed," "Have a blessed day," or "Blessings on you!" When you ask someone how was their church service, the person might say, "Blessed!"
Do know that there is nothing wrong with using the word "blessed." It is the overuse that weakens its meaning. It is better to use other appropriate words instead of always defaulting to using "Blessed."
Count Your Blessings
A "blessing" is God's favor and goodness bestowed on His people. Because of the rich blessings God gives us, we should reserve the word for more sacred occasions instead of letting it be just another familiar commonplace expression.
A blessing is not the result of accumulating material things. Instead, it is God’s divine favor that comes in the form of God's protection and provisions for our happiness and enjoyment.
May the Lord BLESS you and protect you. May the Lord make his face to smile upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace. (Numbers 6:24-26)
Let's examine the above scripture that is actually a benediction. Within the benediction are five parts that convey the fullness of God's blessing.
- God keeps and protects people.
- God makes his face to shine upon others to show He is pleased with them.
- God is gracious in displaying His mercy and compassion.
- God turns His face toward His people as a way of showing His approval.
- God gives His peace.
Following the benediction is a verse that lets us know that God dispenses His full blessings only on those who belong to Him. In Numbers 6:27 God says, "So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them." While it rains on the just and the unjust, people must belong to God in order to be completely blessed no matter how many times they are told that they are or how many times they say they are blessed and highly favored.
The Beatitudes are blessings recounted by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:1-12. "Beatitude" comes from a Latin word that means "blessed." That's why all eight of the statements begin with the word "Blessed." Jesus was teaching about the value of blessings instead of overusing the word in a general conversation.
The word "blessings" in the Beatitudes is not a catchword at all. The word is rich in its meaning. In fact, it is Jesus' assurance to the crowds who heard Him teach.
Notice how many times the word "blessed" and "blessing" are seen in Deuteronomy 28-2-8 - "Blessed shall you be when you come in and blessed shall you be when you go out. All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you obey the LORD your God: Blessed shall you be in the city and blessed shall you be in the country. The LORD will command the blessing upon you in your barns and in all that you put your hand to, and He will bless you in the land which the LORD your God gives you."
Psalm 1:1 - "Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers."
2 Corinthians 9:8 - "And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."
Ephesians 1:3 - "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ."