“I wish this were as simple as it sounds, but we live in an age of adulterated affection and exploited power. Pure love and true power are hard to find and even harder to trust. Why? Because so many have been betrayed by a kiss and that false kiss feels like a curse.”- Mark Batterson
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”- Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)
As Mark Batterson continues Chapter 4 of Double Blessing, he talks about the third and fourth subblessings found in the Aaronic blessing.
3. To kiss on the mouth. Pastor Batterson fears that we’ve forgotten what pure love and true power look like. Yet, even though Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss and that betrayal pierced His soul, Jesus suffered and died for us on the cross. Furthermore, Jesus forgave those who nailed Him on the cross.
Therefore, only forgiveness sets you free. And, God bestows this blessing with a fatherly affection. In addition, Mark observes, the original language hints at mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Just as God breathed into dust to form Adam, His blessing provides our second wind, our second chance.
4. To speak words of excellence about. Well-timed words create one of the most powerful blessings you can bestow on another person. For example, Pastor Batterson cites the time a woman broke open her alabaster jar of perfume and anointed Jesus. Roundly criticized by both the disciples and the Pharisees, Jesus countered their critique with these life-giving words: “Wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”- Mark 14:9
Consequently, Mark exhorts, it’s our job to declare God’s praises and pronounce God’s blessings. So, the author asks, what would your words reveal if someone read aloud your life transcript? And how do you talk about people who aren’t present? are present? Mark concludes:
“Life-giving words are pure oxygen. There are a lot of headaches and heartaches caused by a lack of life-giving words. . . . But the right words at the right time can change the game. They can even change a life!”
Today’s question: How did adulterated affection and exploited power factor in your job loss? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Your testimony – the power to set people free”
