Even if you are on a tight budget, there are plenty of great ways to bless others.
You don’t have to make a ton of money to bless others.
This blog is all about frugality without sacrificing quality. And that absolutely applies to our faith! You can bless others with quality gifts, experiences, and words without breaking the bank.
Let’s take a look at a few practical ways we can live that out.
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Photo by Hannah Busing via Unsplash.
What is a Blessing?
Romans 12:14 talks about blessing those who persecute you. In Greek, “bless” means to praise or prosper. It usually means to benefit someone, either in speech or deed. The same word (and its variations) is used multiple times throughout Scripture, including Matthew 5:44, Matthew 23:29, and 1 Corinthians 4:12.
When it’s used of God, it means whatever He blesses, He favors. He wants that person to prosper or be made happy.
In almost every New Testament reference, blessing is used of your speech. The New Testament writers are clear – build others up, don’t tear them down! Be careful about what you say and make sure that it is worthy of God.
What Does It Mean to Bless Others?
If you are a Christian, you have probably heard the saying, “Be a blessing to others!” But how often do we consider that in our speech? It’s so easy to do something nice for someone, but it can be hard for us to lift them up in our thoughts and speech.
For the purposes of this blog post, we are going to intermingle those physical acts with things we can say to others. Just know that a Bible study on blessing others may yield conclusions that are different than the ones drawn in this blog post!
A Little Goes a Long Way – Blessing Others
Sometimes blessing others simply means asking how someone is doing or sending them a card. Sometimes a simple gesture is the most impactful one!
This is by no means an exhaustive list. It also isn’t a list full of free options. As we seek to build each other up, let’s consider all of the ways we can do that.
1. Share a Kind Word
Encouraging words can go a long way!
In this day and age, that might look like sending an encouraging text message. If you enjoy sending cards as I do, write a note and send it off!
2. Have a Positive Attitude
A positive attitude is infectious. Don’t underestimate the power of your choice to be happy!
3. Send a Care Package
When my cousin was in nursing school, I found out that chewing gum was a favorite item among her and her classmates. So naturally, I collected a ton from friends and family and sent it to her.
Sometimes a themed box or a sweet treat can lift someone’s spirits.
4. Volunteer
If you are passionate about a cause or live in an area with an underrepresented population, volunteer work is a wonderful way to bless others!
Look into working at a women’s shelter or homeless shelter for ways to serve.
5. Support a Local Charity
Handing out meals or spending time organizing materials isn’t the only way to serve organizations in your area. Consider donating to a local cause!
In our area, we have a platform that was created to give back to local causes and organizations. Look for platforms like that that may consolidate the causes and organizations local to you, so you can begin researching what you can support.
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Photo by Anastasia Pivnenko via Unsplash.
6. Be a Listening Ear
Giving someone an encouraging word may not be what they need to hear. Perhaps they are anxious or struggling with something, and they need to be the one talking. Let them talk!
7. Make Time for a Phone Call
As a stay-at-home mom, I get it. Texting is so easy! I encourage you to take the time and make a phone call. People can hear the sincerity in your voice and you won’t get any misunderstandings.
For Those in a Difficult Season
Transition or loss can impact a family in ways they didn’t anticipate. Whether that’s the joy of welcoming a baby or the sorrow of saying goodbye to a loved one, a difficult season can show many ways you can be an encouragement.
8. Run Errands
Everything from dropping a package off at the post office to picking up a medication can help a family in need.
9. Bring a Meal
10. Organize a Meal Train
Take the weight off a family by organizing a meal train! There are apps and websites that will even provide email reminders to those who signed up to bring meals. This can be such a weight off someone’s shoulders!
11. Clean Their House
When someone is grieving or attending appointments, housework may fall to the wayside. Even if you help load the dishwasher or run a load of laundry before you sit down to chat, it can make a big difference.
Don’t think that you have to dust from top to bottom. Sometimes, just taking out the trash when you leave can be a big help.
12. Host Their Company
When our church hosts guest speakers, members of our congregation will sometimes host them for the night. What a way to build someone up, and you don’t even know who they are!
If you know a family facing a hard time or an emergency, consider offering to host their out-of-town family for a night or two.
Ideas For the Christmas Season
13. Host a Party
14. Be a Secret Santa
15. Send Personalized Christmas Cards
It’s easy to create a card with one picture and a “Merry Christmas!” But what if you took the time to write each and every person a note?
16. Donate Christmas Gifts
There are plenty of ways to lift someone’s spirits during the holidays, and gifts are one of them! Consider sponsoring a child on an Angel Tree or donating gifts to a senior center or community center in your area.
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Photo by Superkitina via Unsplash.
More Ideas – Food Items
17. Pick Up an Extra Cup of Coffee
Do you have a coworker or a friend at church who has been feeling down? Pick up an extra coffee for them before you go to work or worship!
18. Pick Up a Treat from a Local Bakery
19. Stock a Local Blessing Box
There are “little libraries” or mini food pantries in some communities. If your area has one, consider adding a few non-perishable items to it.
20. Bring Cookies to a Neighbor
We sometimes forget that the people closest to us need encouragement, too! Check in on your neighbors with a tray of cookies. If your neighbor is elderly, see if they would like a plate of leftover food every once in a while.
21. Invite Them Over for a Meal
My favorite way to get to know others is over a lunch after church or a dinner. There is nothing like opening your home to someone!
To God be the Glory!
Blessing others may make us feel good, but we must remember why we want to be a blessing in the first place! God is good, and we want everyone to know Him and about His Son’s sacrifice.
It can be scary telling others about your faith. Don’t let it be! I have other blog posts about sharing your faith with others. My most popular one is how to host a ladies’ day. Check it out and get inspired!
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