Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily DevotionalSample

Setting Your Enemies Free When dealing with past hurts, we all know that it's right to forgive, even when it's difficult. However, few of us rarely take the next step that God wants us to take. A common misconception is that all we have to do is make the decision to forgive and our job is finished, but Jesus also said, "Invoke blessings upon and pray for the happiness of those who curse you, implore God's blessing (favor) upon those who abuse you [who revile, reproach, disparage, and high-handedly misuse you]" (Luke 6:28 AMP). In addition, Romans 12:14 says that we are to bless the people who persecute us and treat us cruelly. We are to actively bless our enemies. God calls us to extend mercy to people who do not deserve it. Why? When you forgive, it opens a door for God to heal you, but honestly, it doesn't do much for the person who offended you. But when you bless them, you ask God to bring truth to them so they can repent and experience the real freedom He provides. Forgiveness sets you free...blessing your enemies sets them free. Prayer Starter: God, I thank You for helping me walk in forgiveness, but I don't want to stop there. I ask You to bless those who have hurt me. In the same way that You have brought healing to my life, bring healing to them so they can experience Your goodness and walk in Your love.