Blessings for All
So, despite my best intentions, I’m a pretty sinful person. on the surface, it wouldn’t seem like that, but I covet, judge, envy, and more with the best of them.
Lately, it’s been bad. So, I asked my spiritual advisor what actions I could take that would help relieve me of this bondage of self that keeps me separate and isolated. He gave me a pretty radical idea: every time I judge someone, envy them, or covet their things he suggested that I bless them instead. Oh, and here’s the really radical part. He said I don’t even have to believe it, but just take the action over and over again. And guess what? It is working! All day long, whenever one of my self-centered thoughts came up, I directed a blessing at the person instead. (Just to be clear, this is all happening only within my mind and heart.)
I could not believe the results! After one day, I am left with a measure of relief that is pretty significant … believe me, it is tedious going around all day judging, envying, and coveting. I received some measure of freedom. And this allowed me to build stronger relationships with the people I interacted with throughout the day.
What a joy! It let me feel like I was participating in the Kingdom on Earth as it is in Heaven.
I’m going to try to keep this up.
Any thoughts from you?
4 Responses
April 11th, 2011 Brian Gerald Murphy
What an amazing thought! It sounds so effective that I’m scared to try it. What if I start to love and forgive! Sometimes being angry is easier.
I wonder if I’m strong enough to keep such a practice up? I can see myself doing it for the first few days (or the first day or the first hour of the first day) and then growing tired of the habit and giving it up. Sin can be pesky like that, eh?
April 11th, 2011 matthew
Well, it’s only been one day for me! It would be great to have you to help me be accountable. What’s the worst that could happen? Too much love?!
April 12th, 2011 Stacy
Keep me updated on your journey on this.
God really has worked on me in this way in the past year or two as well. I didn’t have the presence of mind to recognize and address the sin myself, but I was convicted of it nonetheless. (Hurray for the Holy Spirit!) And I really didn’t have the strength or discipline, at first, to do this intentionally like you are.
But what I have found is that my heart has really just fallen into a habit of it. Brian, I totally agree that for me, left to my own devices, it would last a few days and I would give up. But I turned it over to God, and it really caused a deeper heart change. Not only is it freeing, but it changed my whole perspective on the world. God has opened the door for me to see the potential “whys” when people do things that I perceive in a negative way, and it makes all the difference.
Anyway, I am excited for you and praying for you. Keep me posted!
April 13th, 2011 Ivy
I certainly don’t think you’re alone in self-centered thinking. I know I’m guilty. I find myself mentally judging others and being envious all the time as well. This is a great idea! I’ll join you in this life challenge!
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