Blessing


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Sins of the Fathers

Week 5

“Blessing” Conversation Starters 

What does the word “blessing” bring to mind?

Discuss "As soon as Isaac had finished blessing Jacob, and almost before Jacob had left his father, Esau returned from his hunt. Esau prepared a delicious meal and brought it to his father. Then he said, 'Sit up, my father, and eat my wild game so you can give me your blessing.' But Isaac asked him, 'Who are you?' Esau replied, 'It’s your son, your firstborn son, Esau.' Isaac began to tremble uncontrollably and said, 'Then who just served me wild game? I have already eaten it, and I blessed him just before you came. And yes, that blessing must stand!' When Esau heard his father’s words, he let out a loud and bitter cry. 'Oh my father, what about me? Bless me, too!' he begged... '...what is left for me to give you, my son?' Esau pleaded, 'But do you have only one blessing? Oh my father, bless me, too!' Then Esau broke down and wept" (Genesis 27:30-34, 38, NLT). While this story sounds odd to our modern ears, at its core it’s the story of what many of us long for. 

What do you think of this story? How did it make you feel?



Is the idea of being blessed by your father appealing? Why, or why not?

God the Father declared that Jesus belonged, that he was valued, and that he was competent. “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him” (Matthew 17:5, NIV). 

How would it make you feel to hear these words from your father?



Do you feel wounded by not having heard them?

"For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory" (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12, NIV). Maybe you didn't have a father who modeled this verse, but you can feed these principles into someone's life.

Sins of the Fathers

Week 5

“Blessing” 

Do you know anyone who needs to be nurtured and mentored in this way?



If you have children, do you deal with them in the way this verse describes?



What could you do better as a father?

Sons are not alone in their need for blessing; daughters need the blessing of their fathers as well. John Eldridge said the cry of a woman's heart when it comes to a man is, "Am I lovely? Will you pursue me? Do you delight in me? Will you fight for me?" 

Do you think this is accurate?



How have these desires directed your life choices?

For a daughter, this is accomplished by making sure she feels protected and cherished. 

What could be the results of not receiving this kind of affirmation as a child?



How do you think these wounds can be healed?

If you are a follower of Christ, you are a child of God, loved and cherished beyond measure. No matter how your parents have failed you, God's love is perfect and unwavering. "For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:26, NLT). "See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are" (1 John 3:1a, NASB).

Next Steps 

What are you doing to try and be a blessing to your children?



Do you need to deal with any resentment you harbor against your parents for the lack of blessing you received?



How can you serve and help to heal the hurting people around you?

Pray Pray that the Lord will help fathers to lead in a way that blesses and strengthens their families, and that families without a father will be surrounded by love and support from the church. Continue to pray for the healing of wounded hearts, and the mending of torn relationships.