There can sometimes be people in our lives that are extremely difficult to face.  We would have more peace face to face with a cobra than a person who always brings us to emotional despair.  When we are in a job, school or a situation that puts us continually in the presence of such a person it’s easy for the focus to become more on that person than even God.

There are nights where we cannot sleep because our thoughts go round and round trying to think up ways to make some sort of peace with that person.  It’s almost impossible to not wish bad things to happen to him as a payback for all he has done to us. 

Jesus, Himself, has the perfect solution which is to pray blessings upon this person.  That in itself is very difficult because it means to be ok with praying this person will prosper and be happy while we are hurting over him.

What is the lesson here?  Could it be God is testing us to see which we will choose, whether it be to trust God or to hang on to pride.

Pride retaliates.  Love reaches out. 

Irritating and spiteful people are often deeply hurt and their habits are an outlet to find some type of relief.  When a person is blessed, they become peaceful and happy.  A peaceful and happy person will no longer have a need to vent.  A blessed person is more equipped to love.

Results could take years to see but God rewards obedience.  If our enemy gets a sudden promotion while we are left on a lower rung of the corporate ladder, that’s God’s business.  If our enemy continues to show no improvement even after a decade of prayers, that’s still God’s business.  God has called us to love and to understand.  As we show agape love toward this person, God is showing supernatural heavenly love back to us that we will enjoy for eternity.

Romans 12:20-21

Instead,

“If your enemies are hungry, feed them.

    If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.

In doing this, you will heap

    burning coals of shame on their heads.”

Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.