When I was a child, before the Lunar New Year, my mother always reminded me not to say several things, such as death, foreclosure, emptiness (in Cantonese emptiness sounds like the word “bad luck”), book (it sounds like the word “lose”), etc.
During the Chinese New Year, we always say a few auspicious words to wish each other a happy year ahead. To Christians, we believe that our blessings are from God and even our misfortunes are under God’s sovereignty. Yet, it is perfectly acceptable to desire peace, health, and happiness for all of our friends and family members. Just remember to avoid congratulations that emphasize wealth and luck.
Our words of congratulations are similar to “asking for blessings” in prayers (the content of prayers ACTS includes adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication). When we ask God to bless others, there is no selfish motive at all. Of course, it does not mean that we promise to give money to fulfill their wishes. If others do have a need down the road, we may help out. But for now, it is only a verbal expression of goodwill. So don’t be too stingy in praying for others.
According to the Bible (Matthew 10), when Jesus sent his disciples out to preach the gospel, he commanded them: “As you enter the home, give it your greeting. If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you.” To disciples, praying for peace and blessings upon others was good. Of course, the disciples didn’t just pray for people, because Jesus also commanded them to declare God’s judgment and exhort everyone to repent of his/her sins.
When we communicate with our relatives and friends, we need to say words of encouragement and praise, hoping to benefit them. We should also be ready to share why we believe in Jesus and how not to be under the control of sin and superstition, so that we can live a life pleasing to God.
(Ken, retired pastor. Ken served in 3 different churches from 1987-2020.)
