BLESSING
15th Nov 2017
In the early years of our marriage we lived in a very large house part of which accommodated an inter church Youth group which was growing rapidly and we were seeing a lot young folk come to faith. Many of these new believers had no christian background and most of the local churches were not really suitable.
To our joy and surprise an almost redundant church building was offered to one of the leaders of our group to start a new congregation. He had been ordained by that denomination so everything looked perfect. One week there were 4-5 elderly folk in that building, the next week it had become around 80!
We were all rejoicing; however, as the weeks and months rolled by, the leadership of this new church began to move things away from our free evangelistic culture towards a very legalistic and narrow focus. I found this very distressing and felt rather betrayed by the whole situation.
I had a problem as each day my journey to my work in the family business led me past this building, and stirred up negative feelings and mental arguments. However, one day on my journey, God spoke to me in a clear and unmistakable voice, “Would you have a problem if I blessed that church more that I bless you?” The question hit me like a bombshell. “That’s not fair Lord, you know how this pastor has offended and upset me!” I replied, but the question remained.
I was shocked, and after a real struggle spoke back, “Of course, God you are free to do whatever you want to, and if you want to bless those folk more than me, that’s fine, I choose to bless them and pray that that church will be blessed.” Suddenly all the pressure was gone and now every day on my journey I spoke out blessing.
Later I gained a new understanding of the words of Jesus in Luke 6:28 “Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” and this same message is repeated by Paul in Romans 12:14, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”
It wasn’t that there had been any aggression towards me, but I gained a new understanding that forgiveness is not enough. After we have extended complete forgiveness, we then need to choose to bless. This life transforming principle has lived with me ever since.
God is faithful. Both Joyce & I, our family and ministry have been amazingly and abundantly blessed. That church still thrives today!
by Charles Sibthorpe
