“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” – Matthew 5:44
The bible is clear about praying for others especially our enemies. Despite how you may feel about someone they are still a child of God. Despite what you may think of them, God still loves them dearly. Even though your enemies pray for your downfall, plot against you or have ulterior motives, God still wants you to pray for them. In fact, they need your prayers. If you are not praying for them, who will?
Those who are against God will be against you. Although, there will be enemies in your lifetime, you do not have to worry about seeking revenge because God takes care of that for you. “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord [Romans 12:19].” When you pray for your enemies, it shows God that your trust is in Him and Him alone. Today, take time to incorporate a prayer for your enemies and ask God to soften your heart so that He may use you for His glory. Ask God to help you see your enemies through His perspective and not through the flesh. If you are able to see your enemies through a spiritual Lenz, you will be able to see beyond flesh and blood. This new perception will help you to pray with sincerity, compassion and honesty for your enemies. Praying for your enemies not only blesses them but it will bless you!
The following verses from Luke shed insight into the truth about loving and praying for your enemies. I pray that these words speak to you and The Holy Spirit brings truth into your heart, mind and soul.
Luke 6:27-36
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.
If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”