The act of declaring, or wishing, God's favor and goodness upon others. The blessing is not only the good effect of words; it also has the power to bring them to pass. In the Bible, important persons blessed those with less power or influence. The patriarchs pronounced benefits upon their children, often near their own deaths (Gen 49:1-28). Even if spoken by mistake, once a blessing was given it could not be taken back (Gen 27).
Leaders often blessed people, especially when getting ready to leave them. These included Moses (Deut 33), Joshua (22:6-7), and Jesus (Luke 24:50). Equals could bless each other by being friendly (Gen 12:3). One can also bless God, showing gratitude to Him (Deut 8:10) in songs of praise (Ps 103:1-2).
God also blesses people by giving life, riches, fruitfulness, or plenty (Gen 1:22,28). His greatest blessing is turning us from evil (Acts 3:25-26) and forgiving our sins (Rom 4:7-8).
Cases of the opposite of blessing, or cursing, are often cited in the Bible (Deut 27:11-26). Although the natural reaction to a curse is to curse back, Christians are called to bless-to ask for the person's benefit (Matt 5:44).
THE ACT OF BLESSING:
There are three or four points of view in which acts of blessing may be considered
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