Blessings

The angel who appeared to Amulek commanded him to return home. He told Amulek that he would meet a prophet of God along the way, whom he should invite into his home. The angel promised that this prophet “shall bless thee and thy house; and the blessing of the Lord shall rest upon thee and thy house” (Alma 10:7). After the prophet Alma stayed in Amulek’s home for many days, Amulek testified to his neighbors:

He hath blessed mine house, he hath blessed me, and my women, and my children, and my father and my kinsfolk; yea, even all my kindred hath he blessed, and the blessing of the Lord hath rested upon us according to the words which he spake.

Alma 10:11

The Lord told Joseph Smith, “Whomsoever you bless I will bless” (Doctrine and Covenants 132:47). President Henry B. Eyring explained that this phrase represents both the promise and the responsibility given to those who hold the priesthood:

The purpose for our receiving the priesthood is to allow us to bless people for the Lord, doing so in His name.

“Bless in His Name,” General Conference, April 2021

Earlier this week, I had an opportunity to participate as priesthood blessings were given to several family members in their home. Just like Amulek, we all felt that the blessing of the Lord rested on that home as words of comfort and guidance were pronounced by an ordained servant of God.

Today I will remember that the purpose of priesthood is to bless. I will look for opportunities to uplift, strengthen, and support the people I will interact with throughout the day.