December 7 The Father’s Blessing

Luke 9:35 A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.”
 
THIS is the second time Luke records the Father speaking audibly to affirm and bless the Son. The first is during Jesus’ water baptism. The Father affirmed his love and pleasure in Jesus, the Son of God, before his people as recorded in Luke 3:22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
   Here’s the lesson: Speak blessing to affirm others. Here’s why.
   One of the main barriers, for example, to a trusting, love relationship between a parent and a child is criticism. As good parents, we want our child(ren) to become a good person. But in response to sin separating us from God, we are also separated from his good words. For example, see Adam’s bad blaming words to Eve in Genesis 3:12 The man said, “The woman you put here with me — she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”  Does this make any sense that such bad blame-and-guilt language has become the common method to raise good children? Do such bad words lead to a good marriage or good relationships with others?
   Of course they do not; nothing bad can lead to any good; yet, we are prone to focus on the wrongs people do, aren’t we? “But,” you might say, “when our children error, they need correction, right?” Yes, they do. But have you ever considered they will live more purposefully to the good speak blessing to them?   
   Dad’s this is especially true for you. Sons and daughters need to know, “Dad loves and affirms me.” I think of my own childhood. I was often uncertain and on edge around my dad. He seldom affirmed my siblings and me, demanding more of whatever we were doing. Too many of his words to us were hard words to urge us to do better. Sadly, too, one of the lasting memories I have of my grandfather and my father together is that they often argued.
   But then one day, dad spoke a remarkable blessing to my brother and me. He affirmed us in a very special way, letting us know he was pleased with us. That day my dad said in a good way, “I love you; with you I am well pleased. I am glad you are my sons.”
   Note how I remember the moment. I know where I was standing and the circumstances of the moment these 50 years later. And I still feel right now that I can rest in his blessing. I no longer had to prove myself to anyone.
   Oftentimes, I will counsel parents to “catch” a child doing good. “Be sure,” I say, “to tell them how pleased you are with them. Tell them you love them. They need to hear it. (This is true for spouses and all other relationships, too.) Yes, it’s likely there are things about their lives that do not please you. But focus on the ways they do live well. Remind them, ‘You are my child.’ with joy and gratitude in your voice.”
   Regardless of your children’s ages, you can begin this now. They may wonder what you are doing at first. Be persistent and consistent with your words. Find something good. Speak it repeatedly. See what good your good words will do.  Yes, speak this way to your spouse, your friends, other family, church family – and even your pastor. You’ll be well-pleased with the results.
   Blessing language is the Father’s example to his Son. Created in God’s image, you are to speak the same way as you love God and love others as yourself. Such good words will form many good relationships and help people live into their goodness.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for your blessing example to your Son. Open my mouth to bless. In Jesus’ love I pray, amen.