Faith Path: Blessing
Recommended Ages: 2+
Blessing someone adds value to his or her life. The words "bless" and "blessing" are used used almost seven hundred times throughout the Scriptures. Learn how to impart blessings on your child in a way that will show unconditional love.
Affirm Your Child’s Value
Every child needs to experience something the Scriptures call “the blessing.” This guide can help you begin the process by imparting the kind of blessing only a parent can give.
WHAT IS THE BLESSING?
The blessing is a powerful tool with which we communicate acceptance and genuine commitment. The word comes from the ancient practice of weighing coins on a scale to determine value. Blessing someone “adds value” to his or her life. We see in Scripture the word bless or blessing used almost seven hundred times. The Bible also gives us great evidence that our God is a God of blessing. We receive that blessing from our Heavenly Father and have the wonderful opportunity to pass it on. There are five basic elements of the blessing that, when combined, have tremendous impact.
- BE COMMITTED: The blessing is not a fleeting moment or mere symbolic event. It includes an active, longterm commitment to the child’s well-being by accepting responsibility to help them become all God has intended.
- LOVINGLY TOUCH: The power of a hug or placing your hand on your child while affirming him or her creates an important physical connection and communicates warmth, acceptance and relational health.
- EXPRESS VALUE: Just like we add value to someone’s pocket by handing them a coin, we add to a child’s life when we use words that attach high value to them as a person.
- SEE POTENTIAL: Parents best see a child’s natural strengths and foresee possibilities for their future. Giving the blessing includes picturing a special future and cheering them toward achieving their potential.
- SAY IT: An effective blessing must be put into words whether spoken, written or both. Simply being present is not enough to communicate the blessing. Words of affirmation are necessary for the child to know he or she is appreciated and accepted.
WHO NEEDS THE BLESSING?
Everyone needs to experience unconditional love and acceptance from their parents. Those who did not receive it can spend later years trying to fill the void missed at home. Those who did receive the blessing have a tremendous advantage in life. An example of this dynamic is recorded in Genesis chapter 28 in the story of Jacob’s two sons.
WHO CAN GIVE THE BLESSING?
Anyone can give the blessing, but the most important and powerful blessing should come from parents.
WHEN SHOULD YOU GIVE IT?
You can take advantage of special occasions and scheduled events to give the blessing in an intentional manner as well as capture informal, more spontaneous moments. You might want to start a nightly routine of blessing before bedtime or as you drop your child off at school or daycare.
On the Go Blessings: Speak words of blessing to your child while driving to school, tucking into bed, celebrating an accomplishment or good effort, or writing a note to place in their lunch. You can also frame the card included (DOWNLOAD HERE) and use a dry erase marker to fill in the "You Are Great Because..." phrase or create your own using any of the following:
- I was so proud of you when I saw you…
- I think God is going to use you in the future to…
- God has gifted you with a unique ability to…
Bedtime Blessing Prayer: Select a special scripture to pray over your child each evening, such as Number 6:24-26. Consider framing the verse to keep beside your child’s bed. Lay your hand gently on your child’s arm or shoulder while praying to reassure him/her with a loving touch.
DOWNLOAD FULL RESOURCE KIT REQUEST PRINTED RESOURCE KIT
recommended books
The Blessing
By Gary Smalley, John Trent, and Kari Trent Stageberg
Children of every age long for the gift of The Blessing—the unconditional love and approval that comes from a healthy relationship with their parents.
This life-changing gift for Christian parents and their children, essential for instilling a deep sense of self-worth and unshakable emotional well-being, contains five essential elements:
·meaningful touch
·a spoken message
·attaching high value
·picturing a special future
·an active commitment
Offering solid, practical advice and a fresh perspective on making this gift a bigger part of our families, The Blessing powerfully communicates these biblically based elements as necessary to prepare children for positive future relationships, including their relationship with a loving God.
New to this updated edition are: giving The Blessing to others in your circle of influence, practical application tools and stories of how this is lived out, insight and help for those who didn’t receive The Blessing, and how to create a lifestyle of blessing others.
I’d Choose You
By John Trent
Everyone knows what it’s like to have a bad day. And when Norbert comes home from school, he has had a really bad day. As he and his mother talk through the day's mishaps, she gently imparts The Blessing on him through spoken word, meaningful touch, attachment of high value, portraying a special future, and genuine commitment.
By the end of the book, Norbert knows he is loved, and that even if he wasn’t the first pick for the team, he will always be chosen by his parents...and by God.
About Faith path
We believe God designed the family to be the primary disciple-making relationship. In other words, God gave parents the privilege of nurturing faith in the next generation. That’s why the Faith Path was created. It's a step-by-step plan to help you be intentional as you prepare for key faith milestones and foster spiritual disciplines in your child’s faith journey. From parent dedication to leading your child to Christ to launching your young adult, the Faith Path resources are designed to assist you in discipling your children.