blessings

From now on, if you see the sign above, you'll know that the post has something to do with my faith. I believe in a loving God who sent his son to die for me - because of my sins. If you don't feel comfortable reading about it, you don't have to. 

We often say "God bless you" to people but what do we mean? Are we asking God to give good and positive things? Probably yeah. 

Here's a definition according to dictionary.com:

A favor or gift bestowed by God, thereby bringing 
happiness.

Ok! So blessings are God's gifts and favors to us. This made me think: 

What kind of gifts and favors does our Heavenly Father want to give us?

After thinking about this, I came to this conclusion: God's idea of blessings are often different from ours.

"I have a great job! God has blessed me!"

"They don't have to worry about money. God has blessed them!"

"He is always healthy. God has blessed him!"

We see great things - we see God's blessings.

But Jesus said: 

Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,

for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness

for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful

for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart,

for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers

for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.

Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

(Matthew 5:1-12)

So it could be said that God thinks blessings are: Kingdom of heaven, comfort, inheriting the earth (read THIS to understand what it means), being filled with righteousness, being shown mercy, being able to see God, being called children of God and the reward waiting for us in heaven. 

Don't get me wrong, I do believe God can also give us great jobs, money and health BUT God values one thing much much MUCH more than our well-being here on earth.

God wants us to spend the eternity in heaven!

His greatest gift and favor to us is his all covering grace. We don't deserve heaven. There's nothing we can do to deserve it. But we can have it if we want to - just by believing in him and what He has done for us.

That has to be the greatest blessing ever!