Romans 12:14-16 Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they’re happy; share tears when they’re down. Get along with each other; don’t be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don’t be the great some-body.

As I think about the first sentence of this scripture I realize I have momentary enemies. These enemies are people in traffic who do rude and thoughtless things to my student drivers. They do things like lay on their horn while the new driver is trying think through a situation.

When these things happen the big brother in me rises up, and I want to jump out of the car and strangle them. I never act on this impulse, but I’m a long way from blessing them. Fortunately my anger quickly subsides as I’m reminded that this individual has probably had a rough day. I can then say a prayer for them. I’m still trying to get to the bless them part.

These three verses provide stimulation for us to look beyond ourselves and see the needs of those around us. Good relationships develop when we realize it’s not all about us. I’m very thankful that God’s Spirit is always there to help me get beyond myself. I always need his help.