Is Biblical Blessing a big deal? Yes! It will change your life. Literally – at least according to one person I spoke with recently who only read the first couple of chapters in this book.
The Blessing is a book by John Trent, Ph.D., and Gary Smalley. It talks about Biblical blessing, what it is, why it’s important, and how we can continue this Blessing to change our kids and an entire generation.
This whole idea starts in the Bible with the Blessing that Isaac was planning to give to his son Esau, but his brother Jacob stole it (along with help from their mother, believe it or not). Why was this such a big deal, and what does it have to do with us? The spoken blessing by our parents is something that deep down we all crave. It’s not just a biblical thing either. As an example, look at pretty much any Will Ferrell movie and you’ll see this central theme of craving parental approval/blessing (Including Elf, Talladega nights, Kicking and Screaming, etc.). By the way, I’m not endorsing these movies, but I’m just pointing out that this theme reaches far beyond just some old Bible stories.
This book explains in great detail why Biblical blessing is important and what it is, but I will summarize the 5 basic components of Blessing that we all long to receive, and that we are called to pass on to our kids and an entire generation. We can literally change the world by following God’s principle of the Blessing!
The 5 basic components of the Blessing are:
1. Appropriate meaningful touch.
This includes laying on of hands, a hug, or reaching out physically in some appropriate way. This shows love and prepares the way for our words to be received.
2. Spoken message.
In the Bible, kids didn’t have to fill in the blanks to know whether or not they were valuable or loved. Spoken words and even written words carry tremendous value in the life of a child or loved one.
3. Attaching high value.
We don’t just say words. We are to show our children that they have tremendous worth and value. They are not perfect, but we see them for who they are and we affirm the value, the life, the incredible person God made them into. Not only are they of great value as a person, but they are of great value to me as the one who blesses. This is not some speech that we cut and paste out of a Hallmark card, but our words should be God-directed specifically to the person we are blessing.
4. Special future.
We affirm that they can do more than they ever dreamed of in a God-honoring future. Sometimes all a kid needs is to know that someone believes in them. This can be transformational and can carry them through difficult moments for the rest of their lives.
5. Genuine commitment.
We don’t just say words and then leave our children on their own to figure out life. This is an unconditional commitment to an imperfect person. I’m saying to my child that as long as I am around I will have your back, I will be your biggest cheerleader, I will believe in you. Even if I have to correct you at some point it will be done out of love, and for your best interest and future in mind.
What if we never had this? How are we supposed to give away something we never had? They address this in the book as well. For now, just know for sure that you can ‘reverse the curse’ and be a blessing no matter what your past was like, or where you are right now. Enjoy the book. May it change your life too. God Bless!