Bless Your Children

By

Shelby G. Floyd

September 16, 2006

All of us remember the special times our parents gave us special praise and encouragement. Children crave their parent’s blessings. In fact we were created to be blessed. After the Almighty created Adam and Eve, the Bible declares, “Then God blessed them…” (Genesis 1:28.)

God Promised Abraham, His Son Would Bless the Whole Earth

Abraham was promised that one of his descendants would bless all the earth. (Genesis 12:3.) This referred to Christ who indeed has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in him and the hope of eternal life. (cf. Ephesians 1:3.)

Old Testament Parents Blessed Their Children on Special Occasions

Giving their children a special blessing was a common part of family life as portrayed in Old Testament history. We should invoke God’s blessings and our blessings on them when they are born (cf. Ruth 4:14-15), when they are married (cf. Genesis 24:60), and on other special occasion in their lives. Of course our children have a responsibility to treasure the blessings we give them, and not reject or despise them as did Esau, who purchased the most expensive pot of stew, by selling his birthright as the first-born son—which meant a double portion of the inheritance. No wonder he cried out when he lost his father’s blessing later in life, “Bless me, even me also, oh my father.” (Genesis 27:34.) Many children grow up in a home where they have not received acceptance, approval, love and encouragement. All children need hugs, words of praise and encouragement when they do well. Many parents only condemn the faults of the children and never give them any positive reinforcement.

Blessing Our Children in the Lord

God’s word declares that children are “the heritage of the Lord,” and that we as parents have the responsibility to not make our children “angry” and “discouraged,” but instead, “Bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21.)

Celtic Family Blessings

The Irish have been very good in giving family blessings and have left us some excellent examples of these blessings:

May the sun shine, all day long, everything go right, and nothing wrong. May those you love bring love back to you, and may all the wishes you wish come true! --Irish Blessing

Bible Benedictions

But the best examples of giving the blessings of God to our children and the children of God are found in the Bible:

Numbers 6:24-26

The LORD bless you and keep you;

the LORD make his face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;

the LORD turn his face toward you
and give you peace.

Paul’s benediction to the Corinthian brothers and sisters is also a good example:

2 Corinthians 13:14

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

May all children know the blessings of their parents, both secular and sacred, and never cry out bitterly as did Esau, “…bless me, even me also, oh my father.” (Genesis 27:38.) Copyright © 2006 All Rights Reserved