Be a Blessing to Others

Gail Oliver Cambridge | November 1, 2021

Don’t Go to the Dark Side!

Isn’t it amazing how quickly we can fall in and out of love? When I see couples who are all “lovey dovey,” I smile because their actions are infectious. I experience similar emotions when I observe parents playing with their children or elderly couples lovingly taking care of each other. There’s something about loving someone that really brings out the best in us…let’s stay here a while.

We look past what some may consider shortcomings and only see the beauty in our loved one. We share secrets, believe in each other, support goals, have open communication, and become besties. Despite disagreements or stressful situations, we still connect on a positive emotional level.

Then, sadly, the love sometimes dies, bringing out the worst in us. I cringe whenever I hear of such horror stories where love once shared has turned to violence and even death and I wonder how the relationship unraveled to that point. Sure, jealousy, resentment, hurt, greed, and the like might all be contributing factors to the demise of adult relationships, but when it comes to violence between children and parents, it’s almost unfathomable. As many therapists will surely attest, it sometimes takes just a slight, real or imagined, to manifest into something uncontrollable. We must all be on our guard and strive to live in such a way that we never get to this stage.

The Apostle Peter has words of wisdom (in italics below) for us sprinkled throughout his epistle that offer guidance for our relationships. When “you know who” wants to rob us of our spiritual essence, let’s heed these words: Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up.

Falling in and out of love, disconnecting with friends, and growing apart over life choices happen regularly, so maintaining our love balance is vital. We may not be able to conjure that first love feeling/connection after a while, but we should all aspire to live as the Apostle Peter admonishes us: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing.

For us to be a blessing to one another, we need to live with this awareness: Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God. This statement resonates with me as I hope it does with you. Keeping Him at the forefront helps with our feelings for everyone and everything we encounter. It serves as a guide to not act on our dark thoughts, but to let go of grievances and be grateful for our situation in life. Now that you’ve cleaned up your lives by following the truth, love one another as if your lives depended on it. Your new life is not like your old life. Your old birth came from mortal sperm; your new birth comes from God’s living Word. Just think: a life conceived by God himself!

I pray that we carry the Apostle Peter’s words with us as we go about our daily lives and interact with others. Some of us will soon be tested as we contemplate Thanksgiving. You’re invited to a Thanksgiving dinner but hesitant to attend because “fill in the name” who drives you crazy will be there and you may say something you’ll regret. Just imagine: you’re allowing someone to derail your plans, spoiling a day with family and friends, robbing you of good food, fun…and, of course, football! Don’t let this happen—bless them, bless them!