Romans 12:9-21 is like a character forming template. Though Paul wrote it to the church in Rome, we can readily apply it to our lives. Verse 9 says, “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.” 

As I continued to memorize this chapter, I paused at verse 14. It says, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” In Deuteronomy 28, Moses detailed God’s blessings to the children of Israel if they obeyed Him. Then all the curses were detailed if they disobeyed Him.

Let’s think of the word bless. Strong’s definition is: speak well of, praise, extol, invoke a benediction, give thanks. In relationships with conflict, we can ask the Lord to bless that person with what they lack.

Interpersonal relationships create an atmosphere where hidden feelings surface unexpectedly. There are often clashes of will. There are misunderstandings. Those are pressures in life that test our character.