The hidden power of “Bless, do not curse,” is the fact that it heals us as well as our enemies.
Yesterday afternoon, I could feel my blood pressure rising as I paced around my office fuming about a recent comment someone made.
It’s unusual for me to be so riled up. But I’ve been upset this week.
I’ve noticed it happens most for me when:
- I’m tired
- I’m stressed and overwhelmed
- I’m so busy that I can’t think straight
Yesterday, what was a good day ended on a sour note because I got so wound up about this one thing.
I hammered out a very long email expressing all of my thoughts. Saved as draft (thankfully didn’t send it).
I grumpily made my way home and moped around for the rest of the night.
Then something happened. I started thinking about how surprising and powerful it would be if I decided to build up the people who had been giving me such grief.
Here’s what surprised me.
My mood changed dramatically when I started imagining the things I could say about them to build them up.
I imagined how surprised they (and others) would be.
Instead of rehearsing all of the ways I could “win,” I started rehearsing all the ways I could “encourage.”
It was a new thought to me. Blessing instead of cursing seemed to have a profound effect on myself.
Learning as I go!
Have you experienced this?
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
Paul, in his letter to the Romans (12:14)
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