Joyce Meyer referenced this verse by saying: When you live to meet needs and encourage those around you, you will find “joy unspeakable” in the process. In other words, we are blessed to be a blessing. 

It appears all thought scripture that the spiritual act of serving others or being a blessing returns the blessing...often with a X factor.  The math doesn’t work, and looking at this concept with logic and reason doesn’t really work because the spiritual world defies simple math equations. I have to imagine that motive is important with serving and blessing others, but at the same time I would think with this spiritual act even with the wrong motive in our hearts that God can work with that, and shape and change our heart in the process. So, “live to meet the needs and encourage those around you...”

But, what happens when I am having a bad day, month or a devastating year? What if I don’t have anything to give, no encouragement to offer? Jesus himself has words for all of us when we can find ourselves in that place.

“And everything I’ve taught you is so that the peace which is in me will be in you and will give you great confidence as you rest in me. For in this unbelieving world you will experience trouble and sorrows, but you must be courageous, for I have conquered the world!”” -‭‭John‬ ‭16:33‬ ‭TPT‬‬

You see, waiting for when we feel like it, or when all conditions are perfect and trouble free is a flawed mindset. Jesus tells us we will experience trouble and sorrows...our lives here on earth will be challenged and flawed. But Mark Batterson said it so well, “Don’t make the mistake of putting a period where God puts a comma!” As you read Jesus’ words don’t stop at the comma, He goes on to say “but you must be courageous, for I have conquered the world!”

Living a blessed life is a choice we all can make, no matter our situation and circumstances. Step into your blessing by blessing others. One practical way this works in our family is we have a monthly budget line item that is set apart for giving or blessing others. This has been great, allowing us to have some monthly margin to bless others as God prompts. Robin is also awesome at writing notes of encouragement to others, and has stepped into being more intentional with that as she prays regularly for God to show her who He wants her to write and bless. And for me, Robin has inspired me. I am realizing the power of words of encouragement. A simple text messages or note of encouragement can go a really long way. I am working a being more spirit promoted to bring encouraging words to those God brings to my mind. 

Blessed to be a blessing.