PRAY FOR YOUR ENEMIES
By: Elle Buell
You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
Matthew 5:43-45 NIV
Several years ago, I was extremely hurt by someone who had always called me their friend. When their choices and words made it clear that they meant me harm, I felt hurt and confused. In seeking healing from God over this situation, I decided to begin praying for this “enemy.”
I asked God to make them successful and blessed, to bring them good friends, good jobs, and financial provision. Tearfully, I asked Him to heal their wounds and make them whole, even though I didn’t feel whole myself. At first as I prayed this prayer for them, I was angry. Why should they get to experience good things when they brought so much bad into my life? Still, I trusted in God's Word, even if I didn’t understand it.
As I remained determined to pray for my enemies, God began healing my heart of hurts I had long buried, in ways I never thought possible. I gained a new understanding of God’s grace, mercy, and the unconditional love that Christ challenged His followers to reflect. I saw this quote recently on Facebook, and it reminded me of this topic: When you learn how to sit at the table with your Judas, you'll understand the love of Jesus Christ.
Right now, think of someone who has hurt you. Today, I challenge you to spend two full minutes praying for this person. As you pray, tell God that you are trusting Him with this hurt and ask Him to heal you as you obey His command to love and pray for your enemies.
You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
Matthew 5:43-45 NIV
Several years ago, I was extremely hurt by someone who had always called me their friend. When their choices and words made it clear that they meant me harm, I felt hurt and confused. In seeking healing from God over this situation, I decided to begin praying for this “enemy.”
I asked God to make them successful and blessed, to bring them good friends, good jobs, and financial provision. Tearfully, I asked Him to heal their wounds and make them whole, even though I didn’t feel whole myself. At first as I prayed this prayer for them, I was angry. Why should they get to experience good things when they brought so much bad into my life? Still, I trusted in God's Word, even if I didn’t understand it.
As I remained determined to pray for my enemies, God began healing my heart of hurts I had long buried, in ways I never thought possible. I gained a new understanding of God’s grace, mercy, and the unconditional love that Christ challenged His followers to reflect. I saw this quote recently on Facebook, and it reminded me of this topic: When you learn how to sit at the table with your Judas, you'll understand the love of Jesus Christ.
Right now, think of someone who has hurt you. Today, I challenge you to spend two full minutes praying for this person. As you pray, tell God that you are trusting Him with this hurt and ask Him to heal you as you obey His command to love and pray for your enemies.