It is important to remind ourselves of how good God is and to know His intent for each of our lives. We were created to have purpose, direction, and hope. Father’s benedictions spoken by His Apostles found throughout His Word provide us with a conduit to connect intimately with Him; and His glory.

Let us look at one particular benediction spoken by the Apostle Paul as he pronounces a blessing that we would abound in love for one another and for all people.

“Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you; and may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you; so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints” (1 Thessalonians 3:11-13).

Paul is saying here: ‘I am declaring a blessing over your life that you would not become self-isolated, or retreat to the darkness, but instead, increase in relationship and love.’

Consider this: The Dead Sea in Israel has no outlet for water. Because of this, there is no way for the water of the Dead Sea to refresh itself – it is stagnant and produces no life. The reason that it is dead is because there is no outflow.

That is what happens to us when we stop serving others. When there is no love towards people—no connecting, no blessing and strengthening, no pouring into other people’s lives—we become lifeless like the Dead Sea.

“Beloved, let’s love one another; for love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7)

Paul went on – “so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.”

It is interesting that right after admonishing us to increase in love, the next thing that he says is that – ‘as we are strengthened to love, our hearts will be established and made blameless in holiness.’

Let’s seize this truth in His Word and never let go!

You can learn more about the encouraging benedictions in the Bible. Simply go to our store at DiscoveringTheJewishJesus.com or call (800) 777-7835 Dvd/CD Biblical Benedictions.