1 Peter 3:8-9
Introduction
Farmers know the spiritual principles of reaping and sowing perhaps better than anyone. They understand that whatever seeds they plant will be the same crop they reap when harvest time comes. If they plant wheat, they are not going to harvest corn. If they sow tomato seeds, they will not pull up potatoes later. Whatever they release is what they receive; the same is true in our lives. Our actions will have corresponding results. If we desire blessings, we should convey blessings.
To bless means to invoke God’s favor on others. Christians must give others the same blessings they wish to receive from God. Being a blessing also means encouraging others to focus on God rather than self. We can teach others to operate within God’s principles so they are positioned to receive all God has for them. How do we start? We begin by planting a seed of blessing. Then we must pray! When praying, remember to be intentional. Whatever you ask from God, you should be willing to do for others. According to the principle expressed in Luke 6:38, God will use people to return to us what we have given to others. Therefore, when we release a blessing, we position ourselves to receive one.
The compensation we receive will be the same as that we have released. Negative results come from negative actions, and positive results come from positive actions. If we release insults, illegitimate judgment, and meanness, that is what we will get back. But, if we release positive benefits, we will receive positive benefits in return. If we are releasing blessings, then we inherit blessings. We could get more than we sowed and shared because of how seeds work. When seeds are planted, the crop is more substantial. In this way, God honors us by multiplying the blessings that come back to us.
Getting Started
- What other spiritual lessons can we learn from farmers?
- What examples can you share of people who received positive or negative results due to their actions?
Let’s Get Personal
- Share an example of when you released something negative or positive and received the same results.
- What blessings do you need from God? Have you been willing to give those blessings to others?
- Are you holding onto any lies that are getting in the way of you being positioned to receive a blessing? What truths did this message clarify for you about God’s blessings to us?
Take the Next Step
- What are three blessings you are seeking from God right now? Choose one blessing you could release to someone this month, and pray for God to give you opportunities to release that blessing.
- This week, how can you help someone else to align themselves with God’s principles so they can be positioned to receive a blessing from God?
- Want to go deeper? Take time to look at the following passages: 1 Peter 3:8-9; Luke 6:27-38; Genesis 1:12; 1 Kings 17:8-16; Philippians 4:17-19; Deuteronomy 24:19; 1 Corinthians 9:9; Psalm 126:6; Psalm 115:9-18; Numbers 6:22-27; Galatians 6:6-10; Acts 20:35.
Renew Your Mind
“… not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.”
1 Peter 3:9
