One time a man named James had problems with his business rivals.  They had castigated him, sneered at him and his family.  James was hurt and wounded so badly because of the hurting remarks his rivals made.  He was full of bitterness and resentment.  He decided to visit a Christian Counselor.  He recounted his story to the Counselor who listened to him attentively.  After listening to him the Counselor gave him this prescription:  "I understand how it feels.  But there's one thing I am going to advise you.  Pray for your rivals and their families.  And when I say pray, I do not mean you pray for evil to befall them.  Instead pray for God to protect their families, give them happiness and health.  As for their company, ask God to prosper them and open more opportunities for them.  Do this everyday and see me again after 7 days."

"You must be joking!  How can I pray good for people who have tarnished the name of my company and smeared mud on my family?  That is almost impossible to do," James said while he doubted the genuineness of the Counselor.  But the Counselor insisted that he do as he says.  James obeyed and went home and began to pray.  After seven days he went back to the Counselor and he had this to say:

          "I have done as you suggested to me.  I feel much better now.  In fact on the 3rd day of prayer, I felt like I was relieved of a heavy burden from my chest.  The hatred and bitterness I had for my rivals, began to diminish.  In fact I started liking them.  On the 6th day of prayer, after I had prayed intensely for them, I decided to pay them a courtesy visit at their offices.  We had a chat and I commended their style of business.  They were surprised, since they were aware that I knew of their slander.  All the same they acknowledged my remarks.    After a lot of pleasant discussions with them, it was now my time to leave.  The senior partner  escorted me on my way out.  He suggested ways we could work out strategies to make both our businesses successful.  From then on our relationship has improved greatly.  The Counselor was happy for him. For those who are Christians, you may refer to Pr. 16:7 - When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord, He makes even his enemies live at peace with him.