As we continue to talk about reflecting God’s heart, I want to encourage you to be a blessing! If you give all of who you are, your thoughts and your plans to the Lord for His use, you will be holy, wise, loving, obedient and a blessing to others. “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 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.” (1 Peter 3:8-9)

How do we do this? We make the choice to follow our Lord’s example instead of the world’s example. “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Eph. 4:31-5:2)

The world’s way (directed by the enemy) is to quarrel and try to get back at another for what they have done to you. But the Lord’s way is to pursue peace, and for us to leave vindication in the Lord’s hands. “So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” (Rom. 14:19)

We are here to allow His light to shine through us as an example of love and peace to a fallen world. “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.” (Phil 2:14-16a)

Let us remember that we are not fighting with people, but with evil forces (Eph. 6:12). Know who your enemy is! We must remember that we are walking in grace because the Lord freely gave it us; we don’t deserve any more than anyone else, so we are to give that same grace to others. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Col. 3:12-13)

As we go through our days making the choice to bless others, we will be enriched. “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” (Prov. 11:25)