Blessing is a verb used 44 times in the New Testament that means: “to praise [your loved one], to celebrate [them] with praises [that] invoke [God’s] blessings and consecrate [your loved one] with solemn prayers [that] ask God’s blessing on [your loved one] to cause [them] to prosper, to make [them] happy, to bestow blessings [that they be] favored by God.”

 That is why Peter says to the church so strongly, watch out for how you “rain down” your words upon others.

Not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. (1 Peter 3:9)

 So Peter basically says those who love with Christ's power, “sow words of blessing and you will reap a harvest of blessing.” What a powerful motivation to primarily use our words, mouths, and voices to bless others in Christ's Name!

 And that is what we get from nearly every one of the 44 times the word “bless” is used in the New Testament (14 x in Luke). Here are some of the key verses:

 Blessing often involves touching: "And He took them up in His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them." (Mark 10:16)

 Blessing often points to the future: "Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, 'Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against.'" (Luke 2:34)

 Blessing is usually hard but always very rewarding: “Bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you." (Luke 6:28)

 Lest we miss it, Paul repeats the habit of blessing as part of Christ's church’s mandate: "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse." (Romans 12:14)

 There was a Spirit-prompted work of blessing in the early church services: "Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say 'Amen' at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say?" (1 Corinthians 14:16)