Praying for our enemies is not something that comes naturally to us. In fact, it may even seem counterintuitive and difficult to do. After all, our enemies are the people who have wronged us, hurt us or caused harm in some way. How then can we pray for them?
The Commandment of Love
The answer lies in one of the greatest commandments given by Jesus himself – to love our neighbors as ourselves. This includes loving those who may not treat us kindly or fairly. By praying for our enemies, we are following this commandment of love and showing compassion towards those who have wronged us.
In Matthew 5:44, Jesus says, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” This commandment may seem challenging to follow, but it is a crucial aspect of our Christian faith.
Overcoming Anger and Bitterness
Praying for our enemies also helps us overcome negative emotions such as anger and bitterness. When someone wrongs us, it is natural to feel hurt and angry. However, holding onto these negative feelings can harm us in the long run. By praying for our enemies, we are releasing these negative emotions and allowing God to work within us to heal and forgive.
In Ephesians 4:31-32, it says, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Praying for our enemies is a way to follow this scripture and let go of any negative feelings towards them.
Showing the Love of Christ
Praying for our enemies also allows us to demonstrate the love of Christ towards others. By praying for those who have wronged us, we are showing them unconditional love and forgiveness, just as Jesus has shown us. This can be a powerful witness to non-believers or even those who may be struggling in their own faith.
In John 13:34-35, Jesus says, “A new commandment I give to you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” Praying for our enemies is a way to fulfill this commandment and be a light in the world by showing the love of Christ.
Conclusion
Praying for our enemies is not an easy task, but it is an important aspect of our faith as Christians. It allows us to follow the commandment of love, overcome negative emotions, and demonstrate the love of Christ towards others. Let us continue to pray for our enemies, trusting that God will work in their hearts and ours. As Romans 12:14 says, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” Let us pray for our enemies and leave the rest to God. Continue to pray for our enemies, even when it may be difficult, following the example of Jesus and his teachings. By doing so, we can show love, forgiveness, and compassion towards others in a powerful way. Remember that prayer is not just about asking for things or seeking help from God; it is also about aligning our hearts with His will and showing love to all those around us, including our enemies.
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