The Power of Spoken Blessings

Throughout Scripture, the importance of verbal blessings is expressed. In four New Testament books, God gives us direct instruction to bless those who curse and revile us. Obeying this instruction produces results that are not expected by the one who gave the curse or the one who was cursed.

A verbal blessing is made up of three powerful forces: our words, God’s Word, and God’s name. The power of our words alone is affirmed by the Scripture that states, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21).

With verbal blessings, the tongue has an even greater potential for good, because a blessing can overcome a curse just as light is stronger than darkness.

Speaking a verbal blessing can even help parents during times of child discipline. By blessing the child, the parents will be greatly helped in overcoming any anger or frustration, and will instead have a spirit of patience and love. The blessing should emphasize God’s love for the child and His great purposes for him or her.

Here is a testimony from one family who has applied this powerful principle in their family.

How a Verbal Blessing Transformed a Sad Seven-Year-Old

My husband and I noticed our seven-year-old son Samuel was becoming characterized by a very miserable countenance, drooping shoulders, lips that go down instead of up, etc. Every attempt we made to correct the problem failed. We had reached the point of exasperation!

It was around this time that we listened to two audiotapes by Bill Ligon, titled How to Impart Blessings and Redemptive Power of the Blessing. We also watched a video on the power of the spoken word and read the book, The Power of Spoken Blessings, by Bill Gothard. Also we saw the exciting video, How to Transform Attitudes With Spoken Blessings, by Chris and Anne Hogan. Through these materials, the Lord opened our understanding of the power of the spoken word, either as a blessing or a curse.

I remember the exciting revelation the Lord gave: “Samuel needs a blessing!”

I gathered the other children around and blessed Samuel. I asked God to bless him with a radiant countenance, joy in his heart, and a beautiful smile that ministered to the lives of others.

As I was speaking, his little face lit up, his chest puffed out, and he just kept smiling! I spoke that same blessing to him once more that same week.

It has been around six months now, and I am very happy to report that the change in Samuel has been miraculous! He keeps smiling, has a radiant joy about him, and the first thing we notice about Samuel in the morning is a beautiful, radiant smile and a very enthusiastic “Good morning!” This has truly been a work of the Lord, for all of our own efforts failed. In simple faith, we have been obedient and have witnessed the power of the spoken blessing!

We have noticed several things happen in our family as we apply the lessons learned in giving a blessing. We are all demonstrating more love toward each other. Our attitudes really are transformed by speaking blessings, and the children are growing in faith!

Our children will come to us and report that one of their siblings needs a blessing because he/she has a bad attitude, or we should bless this child because he/she is being naughty!

All of us then gather around and bless the “offender.” This act demonstrates great love toward him/her. No need for telling tales or taking matters into their own hands, as they now have a practical solution to the situation!

Whenever my husband and I notice a wrong attitude in a child, that child receives a blessing, and I am continually amazed at how attitudes are changed immediately! Sometimes a little talk is required, but the spoken blessing is the transformer.

As a practical aid to help the younger children make blessing others a part of their daily lives, we have included “give a blessing to a family member” on their job chart. This is working wonderfully!

Our five-year-old blesses his two-year-old sister every day. It usually goes like this: “The Lord bless you, Danielle, with courage, ‘wise-ness’ (wisdom), and knowledge!”

Our seven-year-old is blessing his ten-year-old brother to be diligent in his piano practice and blesses him to get through (survive) washing the dishes!

We can testify to both the power of the spoken blessing and the power of the spoken curse. We have experienced freedom from many spoken curses on our lives through speaking specific blessings. This Biblical principle has been life-changing and an answer to our many cries for help.

—A Family from New Zealand

Used by permission.