God Bless You In A New Year!

God Bless You in a New Year!

Every now and then, it's good to stop and question why we do or say things. It can help with our awareness. So, what is it to proclaim a “blessing” on someone? I thought I would go ahead and ask “Google” - just for fun. 

Usually, I don't expect much help understanding “spiritual” concepts from what one would think are rather secular sources. But I was pleasantly surprised here. 

QUESTION? What is the spiritual state of "blessing"?

"ANSWER FROM GOOGLE: AI Overview

The spiritual state of "blessing," particularly within a Christian context, is an inward state of spiritual well-being and a permanent condition of receiving God's favor, regardless of external circumstances, emotions, or material wealth. It is a state of being positioned in a right relationship with God through faith. 

Key Aspects of the Spiritual State of Blessing

• Divine Favor and Grace: Blessing is fundamentally an act of God's grace and an extension of His favor, not something earned by human merit. It is given to those who trust in Christ.
• A Permanent, Inner Condition: Unlike fleeting "happiness" based on positive life events, being "blessed" is a secure, internal state of truth that persists through trials and suffering. In fact, the Bible often ties blessing directly to enduring hardship, as trials can deepen reliance on God.
• Relationship with God: It describes a person's condition in relation to God, involving an intimate relationship and communion with the Creator. Believers are adopted as God's children and become co-heirs with Christ.
• Source of Spiritual Resources: The spiritual state of blessing includes access to "every spiritual blessing" in the heavenly realms, which are all the divine benefits necessary for a life of faithfulness and righteousness.
• Focus on Eternal Value: Spiritual blessings are distinct from material or temporal benefits. While physical well-being and material gain can be part of God's gifts, true spiritual blessing focuses on eternal, inner transformation, such as forgiveness of sins, peace, joy, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and the hope of eternal life.
• Empowerment for Action: Believers are blessed to be a blessing to others. This state empowers individuals to live a godly life, exercise self-control, and share the love and grace they have received with the world.

In essence, to be in a state of spiritual blessing is to be a recipient of God's complete and sufficient resources, which provide profound inner peace and purpose regardless of external circumstances."

Like I said, I am impressed with this response. Maybe there is at least a little hope for some of this technology after all. 

We must keep in mind that the above definitions are simply a regurgitation of the input that the “computers” had been given. It is an explanation of a spiritual state that we humans can truly enjoy, existentially and inherently beyond words on a screen or on a page. 

Blessing is life itself. As Jesus said, in John 10.10-11:

"I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”

God Bless You, with life abundant in this new year!