Numbers 6:24-26

[24] “The Lord bless you and keep you; [25] The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; [26] The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.” 

During my prayer time, I was thanking God for all the things He's given me, such as a home, family, career that's provided me a retirement, and so forth. As I prayed, God spoke to me, asking if I thought what He's given me was a gift or a blessing. So, I did some research about the two and here is what I came up with. 

Gifts are tangible items, often given because they were earned or simply expected. They oftentimes come with conditions and most likely have an expiration to them. On the other hand, a blessing is given out of a generous heart, without conditions, and has a positive influence. 

God's love for every human being is a blessing that has no conditions and is freely given to anyone willing to receive it. Sadly, many people attach conditions to their desire to receive God's blessings, which do nothing but put false hope in the person asking for God's help. Example: I'll stop swearing if You will heal my sickness. Essentially you are putting conditions on an unconditional blessing, and shouldn't expect it to be answered. 

I encourage you to take inventory of what blessings God has showered upon your life, thank Him, and always be ready to ask without conditions, so you will receive His special blessings out of the simple love He has for you. God bless.