The Power of a Spoken Blessing

In a recent article, I highlighted the fact that God’s blessing is stronger than any curse. When ministering in the area of spiritual warfare and deliverance, it is important to understand how curses work. But we must also realize that God wants to pour out blessing to His people through what Christ has done for us.

One of the ways that God’s blessing is released over people is through spoken words. Just as our words can take the form of a curse, our words can be used to bring great blessing to others.

In Numbers 6:22-27, we see how God prescribed a specific way for His blessing to be placed upon His people:

And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: ‘Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, ‘This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. Say to them:
The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.
So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them.’ ”

As the priests declared this blessing over the children of Israel, God promised to bless them. The priests had the privilege of participating in God’s desire to bless His people. As they spoke His Word, God’s favor and goodness would shine upon them.

The ancient world understood the power of a spoken blessing. When Jacob pretended to be Esau so that his aging father would speak a blessing over him, his father fell for the trick and blessed Jacob. Later, when Esau came to receive his father’s blessing, Isaac told him that it was too late; he had already given the blessing to Jacob. He told the grieving Esau that “I have blessed him—and indeed he shall be blessed” (Genesis 27:33). Even though Jacob used deceptive tactics to obtain his father’s blessing, once the words were spoken they went into effect and could not be retracted. That’s the power of a spoken blessing!

Not only should we refrain from cursing with our words; we should use our words to bless. I encourage you to learn to speak words of blessing over people. Pray prayers of blessing over friends and family members. It’s not like our words are magic; but when we speak things that are in alignment with God’s Word, there is something that is released to bless people. In fact, the Bible says that our words can “impart grace” to the ones who hear us and build them up. (Ephesians 4:29)

What would happen if we intentionally began blessing people with our words? If you don’t already, begin the practice of releasing spoken blessings over people today!

How have you seen the power of words to build others up and bless them? Do you practice speaking blessings over family members and other loved ones?