The Power to Bless

President Nelson's Priesthood Session talk involved some instruction about Priesthood blessings. President Nelson didn't want Priesthood holders to underestimate or underutilize their capacity to bless others. As I read through this talk, I was surprised at some of the phrasing President Nelson used:

Brethren, we hold the holy priesthood of God! We have His authority to bless His people. Just think of the remarkable assurance the Lord gave us when He said, “Whomsoever you bless I will bless” (D&C 132:47). It is our privilege to act in the name of Jesus Christ to bless God’s children according to His will for them.

President Nelson seems to be saying that the holders of the Priesthood are capable of blessing others directly, not just asking God to bless them. Anyone can ask God for blessings, but holders of the Priesthood can give blessings themselves. In a way, this makes sense. The Priesthood is the power and authority of God. Those who hold the Priesthood hold at least a portion of the power of God, including the power to perform miracles and blessing others.

It sometimes surprises me how much faith God puts in people and how much power He lets many of them have. President Nelson was right; we do often underestimate the power we hold. This was a good reminder that, although I am far from Godhood, I do have some God-like powers, including the power to bless others, so long as I am worthy to exercise it. And I'm not just talking about Priesthood holders. Everyone has the power to make decisions and influence others and the world. We all have great power. And with that power comes the responsibility to use it to bless others.