Praying for Those You Hate
When was the last time you prayed for someone you didn’t like? I’m not talking about a prayer for God to strike them, I’m talking about real genuine prayers asking God to bless and keep them. Sounds strange right? Why would someone in their right mind ask God to bless people who hurt them? Culture teaches us today to crush our enemies, shade them, to be more successful so you can throw it in their faces on social media. Sadly some Christians have this same motto, I had the same views early in my walk with Jesus. I would quote psalms 23; “Lord prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies, so they can see how they messed up.” I know I’m not the only one who has done this. If we truly call ourselves Christians, followers of Christ we should be doers of the word not just hearers. (James 1:22).
Luke 6:27-28 says; “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” Wow, easier said than done right? Why would Jesus command this? Why would Jesus want his children to be nice to people who are clearly being mean, rude and disrespectful? If you flip a few books back to Matthew Jesus gives us new direction on how to have full access to him, to live a blessed life and to ensure we’re legally protected. In Matthew 6 Jesus explains if we don’t forgive others for their trespasses, our heavenly Father will not forgive us. Mark 11:25 goes on the say whenever you are praying forgive, so your heavenly Father will forgive you. How many times should we forgive? I am so glad you asked; Jesus addressed this in Matthew 18:21-35 when Peter asked him should he only forgive his brother 7 times. Jesus responds, “not seven times, but seventy times seven times. Guys I did the math on this and the grand total is 490 times. I doubt someone would offend you that many times and who has time to keep tally? The bible doesn’t mention the types of offenses we should only forgive. Slander, adultery, lying, murder, racism it’s all forgivable.
Praying for our enemies is very difficult however, the reward from heaven is priceless. Jesus forgave everyone to put him to death, and He continues to forgive us daily for our sins against him and others. The scriptures were written for a reason, let’s not pick and choose what suits our needs at the moment. I don’t care what your pastor, leader or mamma said, be obedient to God’s word. If God tells you to pray and forgive from a distance, be obedient. If God says stay in a relationship, forgive and pray for them while you’re walking through healing, be obedient and stay. Praying for our enemies and showing kindness unlocks blessings and releases you from bondage. Praying for our enemies doesn't excuse or condone their behavior either. Don’t wait for an apology or changed behavior be obedient to whatever God is commanding you to do. I pray for those I don’t like all the time, I ask God to bless and multiply everything they touch, I pray that God would protect them. This didn’t happen overnight, this is something I choose daily. I encourage you to do the same. Let’s live life on purpose and receive all that God has for us. God is doing something new in 2020 and I don’t want to miss it because I chose to be disobedient. Make it a great day and choose to pray for those you hate.