Blessing for Sinners?

This morning I felt like reflecting on blessing, as the theme has been on my heart of late, partly due to something I have seen shared by fellow Christians about a pastor who wouldn't bless a young couple who was living together.  When I read it, there seemed to be something a bit off, and as I prayed about it I felt the Lord say, 'they don't understand what is meant by blessing'.

Without getting into the specifics of the posting or anything, my desire is to better understand the whole idea of a blessing, and specifically God's blessing, in light of the Gospel.  Right off the top a few verses jump into my mind - as follows:

Galatians 3:14 NIV:  "He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit."

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1 Peter 3:9 NIV: "Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing."

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Matthew 5:43-48 NIV:

[43] “You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' [44] But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, [45] that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. [46] If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? [47] And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? [48] Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

Before digging into the verses, it is important to distinguish that blessing is not the same as agreeing, or condoning someone's actions. Blessing is a gift from God.  It is clear that blessing does not require sinlessness, on the contrary, Peter writes that we should use blessing as a repayment for evil done to us.  Paul writes that the blessing of Abraham can be received through our redemption by Christ Jesus, and that redemption was accomplished while we were still sinners (See Romans 5:8). 

Going back to the original blessing of God upon Abraham, found in Genesis, chapter 12, there was no requirement of sinlessness and the blessing is given before obedience.  Abraham certainly did not live a sinless life, and yet God's promised blessing was never taken away.  Here is that actual first mention of blessing found in Genesis 12:1-4 NIV:

[1] "The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you. [2] “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. [3] I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you. ” 

[4] So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran."

This is the blessing that Paul writes about in Galatians, and one that we inherit in Christ's redemption.  Again, this is not related to anything we do, or anything Abraham did to that point, but something God chose to do.  As Jesus stated in the verses from Matthew, we are called to love and pray for those that are enemies.  I think its safe to say that Jesus was using a worst-case example, and that praying for and loving everyone who isn't an enemy, but who might be a sinner, would be included in His charge.

God clearly does not hold back blessing based on a list of sins that are being committed, in fact the clear understanding is the opposite, we are to bless even our enemies as a worst-case.  Does this include sinners?  Absolutely!  In fact, the simple question is whether any of us is without sin? I think the definitive answer is, "no".  Clearly God expects us to bless, and to be a blessing.  Maybe we should define blessing...

The first time in scripture we find God's blessing mentioned it is give to the creatures - Genesis 1:21-22 NIV:

[21] "So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. [22] God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the water in the seas, and let the birds increase on the earth.”

In this first mention of God blessing, it has to do with increase, and is the recognition of His seeing the creation as good, and has no mention of righteousness or sinlessness!  If we apply this as our simple definition of blessing we find it is, "asking God to provide increase, because He sees something or someone as part of His good creation." This definitely can be applied to us all, saint and sinner alike.

The Lord described it this way to me, "being for someone, praying for their blessing, for goodness to rain upon them, does not mean we have to agree with with their life choices, or behavior, or judge them sinless".  

We are called to be a blessing on earth, and God knows there are many lost, confused, harassed and down-trodden who NEED His blessing.  We are called, just as Abraham was called, to be a blessing on the earth.  

Is it right to ask God's blessing on a sinful person?  Absolutely!

Is it right to ask God's blessing for those that are sinful, and who act that way? Absolutely!

God's blessing, thankfully, is not withheld for only the righteous, or sinless, and neither should our blessing be withheld!  

My encouragement this morning is to be a blessing to all those around me, regardless of their relationship with God, regardless of their sin, regardless of their actions.  I am encouraged to spread God's blessing to all, to be for them, to pray for their increase, to pray for their fruitfulness!  I am encouraged that God wants me to act like Him, as Jesus clearly stated.

Oh Lord, help us to embrace this simple and effective witness to Your wonderful nature and goodness.

Amen and amen!