“So then, as often as we have the chance, we should do good to everyone, and especially to those who belong to our family in the faith.” (Galatians 6:10 Good News Translation)
Many times, we overlook the chance to do something good. Perhaps we overlook our opportunities help someone, hold another up emotionally, heighten someone’s self-esteem, or to hastily rectify situations.
I received a rapid response to yesterday’s meditation, a response that presented me with a chance to do good. A reader emailed back and said, “What? No “Be blessed” today? You always end with that phrase. What happened?”
I could have just said, “Opps,” and overlooked the opportunity to do good. I could have took offense, but instead I took time to realize I made an obvious omission. It would have been easy to rationalize or reason within my mind, justifying why I possibly omitted the words, “Be blessed.” But do you want to know something? It is just as easy my friends, to say “I’m sorry.” It is not just as easy, but it eases my being.
To the person who responded I say, “Thank you!” Thank you for presenting me with a chance to do good. You see I did not take your comment as coming from a point of criticism, I took it that you were calling to my attention a desire to be blessed! You were not being petty, but you were one being particularly, perfectly used by the Lord at the perfect time. Listen! I’m not going to be one guilty of overlooking the chance you have given me. Therefore, with haste, I want to say something to everyone, everybody, each reader who faithfully reads Mark Writes. I want to set an example of complying with the scripture above, even in matters that one thinks are. as they say, “Small potatoes.” Wanting to be blessed is not a small thing. As a matter of fact, I have told people they should not leave worship services without receiving the benediction, the final blessing at the end of the service.
Let me clarify something. I’m not only sorry. I don’t just want to apologize. But I want to bless you all and bless you twice. You don’t have to contend with me like Jacob did when he wrestled with God; when he would not let the theophany that was God go until He blessed Him. No! I am going to close with two blessings in the passages below. But before I do, let me tell advise you not to overlook the bigger message of this meditation, “As often as we have the chance, we should do good to everyone, especially to those who belong to our family of faith.” Think about it! Take it to heart! Turn your meditating into acting! I love you! Be blessed!
Blessing: “The Lord bless you, and keep you [protect you, sustain you, and guard you];
the Lord make His face shine upon you [with favor] and be gracious to you [surrounding you with lovingkindness]; the Lord lift up His countenance (face) upon you [with divine approval] and give you peace [a tranquil heart and life].” Numbers 6: 24-26 The Amplified Bible)
Blessing: “Peace be with you, dear brothers and sisters, and may God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you love with faithfulness. May God’s grace be eternally upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 6:23-24 NLT Bible)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King