I’ve been pondering the meaning of being blessed after reading an article this week. The author of the article posited that we should not claim we are blessed when speaking of our physical circumstances (jobs, homes, etc.), because it would imply that people who don’t have those things (and in some cases never will) are not blessed.

My question then becomes, why would someone’s blessings (mine) in any way negate someone else’s? And the reverse, what bearing does someone else’s blessings have on me? According to Google dictionary blessing is defined as “God’s favor and protection; a prayer asking for God’s favor and protection; a grace said before or after a meal; a beneficial thing for which one is grateful; something that brings well-being; a person’s sanction or support.”

If we ascribe to the first definition (God’s favor and protection) I know that everything I have is a gift from God (a beneficial thing for which one is grateful). My husband is a blessing to me. Does that mean that my wonderful, intelligent, kind, loving, and beautiful single friends are LESS blessed because they aren’t married? I hope they never, for a single second, believe that. I was a bit older than the average when I got married, I enjoyed being single; the opportunities I had as a single person were a BLESSING to me (a beneficial thing for which one is grateful).

An acknowledgement of God as the provider of the things in my life is not an indicator of my worthiness of those things, neither is it an indicator of worthiness of someone who doesn’t have those things. When done in a genuine fashion (not a “humble brag” or boasting), it can be an acknowledgement of one’s unworthiness of the things they have.

I’m about to enter into sensitive territory. Children are a blessing. According to Solomon, “Children are a blessing and a gift from the Lord” (Psalm 127:3 CEV). I can’t have children. It’s a fact. Sometimes it’s painful. Sometimes I wonder why. Sometimes, when I hold a teething, screaming baby, I’m thankful (I kid!). But my inability to have children is not a reflection of my inherent worth. And I rejoice each time a family member or friend announces that they are expecting. What a wonderful miracle! And yes, blessing. Is their blessing a painful reminder of what I don’t have? It shouldn’t be; I was recently reminded that we are supposed to “rejoice with those who rejoice” (Romans 12:15). Someone else’s blessing isn’t a negative reflection on me.

There are poor people in this world, there are sick people, and there are people that are suffering. Does this mean they are not blessed by God? No way! Their blessings are just different. Just as God gives us trials to strengthen and hone us; I believe He gives us blessings to do the same.

So what’s the point?

1. Stop comparing ourselves to anyone other than Jesus Christ; our walks are individual, and God knows what is best for us, and when.

2. We cannot view our blessings as rewards. They are not. It is right to give God the glory or credit for the things we have.

3. The really important thing about blessings isn’t that we have them, but what we do with them; “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more” (Luke 12:48).