"Bless those who curse you" became very practical for me in 2002.  All my efforts to win over someone who I was supposed to love had failed miserably.  She still hated me and I was more frustrated than ever by the relationship.  Up until that point, however, it had really been all about me and how the situation made me feel. 

Spiritual mentor, Elizabeth changed all that for me with one biblically guiding principle:  "Pray blessing over her, Cheryl."  Pray blessing over this woman who had made my life so miserable in so many ways?  Yes.

And with that wise advice, began a concerted effort to pray blessing over my perceived enemy. Two powerful changes happened in me.  The first was that the relationship was no longer centered or reliant on me. The second was that the relationship became all about practicing the love of Jesus.  The result?  I was free to love with no strings attached and with joy. 

Did our relationship change?  Not that I could perceive. Though sad, I was still free. It was now about Jesus: sharing Jesus, loving like Jesus, inviting her to Jesus.  The rest was - up to Jesus.

This month we encourage you to consider how God might be asking you to love your enemies.  If you pursue Him in this, watch what God does inside of you!