In Genesis 12, the exchange between God and Abraham is pretty profound. In one instance, God reveals to humanity that God wants a relationship with humans, that God's not malicious, and that Gods even got good plans of blessing for these humans God has created.
"And I will make you a great nation,
And I will bless you,
And make your name great,
And so you shall be a blessing."
I love that there's not buts in this passage, that it functions as a progression. Its not "I will bless you," but "you must be a blessing," making God's blessing conditional and our blessing of others a manipulated action. Instead, its a completely free act for God and for us. God doesn't enslave Godself to cycle of power over and manipulation, and God doesn't enslave humanity to a cycle of God pleasing out of fear of repercussions. God is gifting Abraham and his decedents with a noble identity. I like that about God. He only calls us to do what he's already doing. He leads us through loving kindness. We're drawn rather than extorted, manipulated or forced. Blessed to be a blessing.
Yesterday a family did just that for Kerra and I. With no strings attached, the Atwell's invited us over for a day on the lake. They didn't have a negative agenda. They didn't have concerns to bring to us, or frustrations that they wanted to share. There was no bait and switch. They just wanted to have us over for a party day on the lake. Their agenda was to show everyone a good time and build relationships. I believe Jesus was pleased. Needless to say, we had an excellent time, being blessed by some really sweet hearted people who've been blessed to have a home on Lake Travis. All in all, an excellent day.