Christians, what does the word blessing mean to you? ?

Question

One of the definitions in the dictionary says Gods favor and protection. There are several other definitions like a peace offering. What does it mean to you?

Answer 1

Here is the address to Dictionary.com's entry for "blessing:" http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/b... .  It covers the meaning of the word to me.

Answer 2

A gift from God

Answer 3

In the Bible, blessings and curses are related; the book of Deuteronomy prescribes that obedience to the Torah brings God's blessing, while disobedience brings a curse. The Priestly Blessing is set forth at Numbers 6:24-26:

    May the LORD bless you, and keep you;

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

    May the LORD turn his countenance to you and grant you peace.

The Bible also commands Christians to bless and not to curse. God is a God of love & mercy and the Bible teaches that cursing and anger should be left to God - not us. He (God) is the one who will one day be the judge of our works.

This formula has been introduced into Christian worship as well. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus pronounces blessings on the poor, the humble, and the persecuted in the Beatitudes at the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount.

One of the first incidences of blessing in the Bible is in Genesis 12, where Abram is ordered by the LORD to leave his country and told:

    "I will bless you, I will make your name great." (v 1-2)

Blessing can also be a request for permission, as in "gaining your parents' blessing" would consist of having been granted consent. Clergy will normally receive a blessing from their ecclesiastical superiors to begin their ministry. In Spanish, there is a blessing which can be used as a tender farewell, especially from a parent: Vaya con Dios (Go with God), also Adios (A Dios, to God), French Adieu.

May the good Lord bless and keep you forever.

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Answer 4

Interesting enough, whatever it's modern usage, the etymology of the word in English comes from the same root as "bloody", since Angels and Saxons routinely used blood sacrifices (as did most Ancient cultures) to "bless" everything from the planting and harvest to the outgoing war parties.

While Christians may use the word in a more specific way, In modern secular culture the word still has place as a well wishing.  Even if I don't believe in someone else's religion, if someone who is a devout believer blesses me, I take no offense, just interpreting it as them wishing me the very best in the very best way they know how.