The Challenge of Praying for Enemies
- Bishop Keith Butler
- Jan 27, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 17, 2023
Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. (Matthew 5:43-44)
It is normal and natural to want to pray for those we care about. We want them to be protected, blessed and happy and we believe in the power of prayer. But when it comes to their enemies, many Christians either avoid praying for them altogether or pray for them negatively.
Jesus flipped the script on the people of His day when He said that we are called to love our enemies, and not just to love people who love us. Jesus taught us to love the people who oppose us. The Jews believed it was acceptable to hate their enemy. Your enemy may include the person who slandered you, the one who makes you angry when they enter the room, or those who hurt you deeply and you are still trying to get over it.
That’s what walking by faith and not by sight is about. It doesn’t take one ounce of faith to be kind to the people you like. It takes a real man or woman of faith to show compassion and generosity to the people with whom they don’t get along.
You’re not called to be normal. You are called to be an example of Jesus. Can you represent Jesus when you are around people that you strongly disagree with? Can you pray for people you don’t like? Can you bless someone who has offended you?
Practical Application
How can you bless someone today while standing in faith, believing for God to use you to help them change? Take a step of radical faith and then pray for them.
