One word came to my mind as I reflected on new year traditions.
Blessings.
We excitedly greet each other with a “happy new year” and wish good health and prosperity to our close friends and family.
As a child, we gathered with the extended family every day over the new year period. We would share food, present gifts, and wish blessings upon each other.
While I love this communal culture that wants the best for others, I understand it is a different mindset from those solely focusing on themselves and their ambitions.
With tightening financial conditions and increasing competition, becoming condescending and pulling others down seems the way forward.
However, I don’t believe living in an unsupportive environment and facing ongoing contests is the answer.
We were created to live in peace and love.
Blessings fill the pages of the Bible
We don’t need to reach far to understand blessings. We see this from God’s beautiful creation to his intricate purpose for humans.
God’s blessings are everywhere.
His promises for the Israelites and us today are evidence of the goodness he longs to bestow on us.
“I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis chapter 12, verses 2-3)
When I read these verses, I automatically think about the great things God will give me.
I suspect this is the same for many of us. Our minds wander to think about riches, popularity, and successful relationships that God will give us.
Our subconscious focuses on ourselves.
No wonder we are easily disappointed when reality doesn’t match up. It makes sense when we struggle to share with others.
Blessings are not for us alone
Paul echoes Jesus’s words in Acts chapter 20, verse 35 saying that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Our blessings flow onto others. This isn’t merely about generously giving and sacrificing for others. Nor should it diminish us to nothing.
Blessings allow people to find their way back to the author and giver of all gifts.
God.
We become self-centered when we hold tightly hold onto gifts and valuables. It builds us up, setting us up for pride and consumerism.
And while we appear greater, comparison grows between people, and inequality heightens.
The gap never ceases.
Become a blessing
The verses in Genesis above indicate that God gives us blessings so we will be a blessing. Giving is not only about the things we can give away.
We shy away and question our significance. However, considering ourselves as blessings is transformative.
Celebrating our highlights sings joy to this world. Our challenges become blessings when we empathise with others’ pain and disappointments.
Jesus came as a blessing for us and the world. We become selfless as we follow in his footsteps and embody his love and blessings. We bring joy to God as we fulfill his purposes for us.
We are freed from the burden to compete and win.
Blessings: a cycle of receiving and giving
Underlying this cycle is constant gratitude.
Blessings are often understated. Yet realising God’s gifts to us is revolutionary. Our nation cultivates greater prosperity; we lean into a community of love.
We can do good or bring harm with every decision.
So let us live counterculturally.
Let us count the blessings God has so generously given us. Let us willingly share these with everyone around us. And let us genuinely embrace our community.
For we are blessed for a reason; we were blessed to be a blessing to all nations.