“When you see someone through Jesus’ eyes, you’ll see treasures in them, and you’ll see how those treasures can lead to a special future. When you share that kind of affirming vision in someone’s life, you’re releasing the power of blessing.”- Alan Wright
“But to those of you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”- Luke 6:27-28 (NIV)
In Chapter 7 (“Blessing: Seeing the Potential in People”) of Seeing as Jesus Sees, Alan Wright exhorts us to look past someone’s problems to see the person. To see something deeper about that person’s potential to be a force for good.
However, Pastor Wright cautions, left to ourselves, with our blurry vision, we find ourselves much more prone to curse than to bless. Yet, the best way to help someone grow and flourish involves blessing them. Therefore, Pastor Wright believes, other than prayer or a direct visitation from God, blessing functions as the most powerful tool for change in the world.
Above all, when God makes something, He always affirms its future. He blesses what He’s designed and created in order to empower its destiny. But our culture perverts this message. Our culture demands productivity first. Therefore, once you perform and prove your worth, blessing follows.
Thus, we foster shame when we reverse God’s order and withhold blessing from others. As a result, the unaffirmed, shamed soul fills with angst. Hence, the soul wonders, What more must I do to be blessed?
Because anxiety at best serves as a momentary motivation. However, in the end anxiety leads to destruction. God never created us to live with chronic angst. Rather, Pastor Wright notes, God loves faith and doesn’t want people to worry about their worth.
When God speaks life into people, Alan states, He releases people into their destiny. God wants us convinced of our value.
Today’s question: What affirming vision have you shared in someone’s life? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Blessing buoys and strengthens”
