PRAY FOR YOUR ENEMIES

Now if anything goes against human nature it is loving and praying for your enemies. Human nature wants to lash out and strike back. But that is not God's way. It may not be a real enemy per se. I for one hate no one. I may have been wronged or hurt but  we have to keep our eyes on Jesus.Someone may have wronged  you and not even realized it nor did they ask for  forgiveness but we have to choose to forgive or a root of bitterness will grow."Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled" (Hebrews 12:15).  It makes us feel bad to be mistreated but God wants us to turn the other cheek and love the person regardless of how they are or have treated us.That is one of the hardest things to do. "But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also."(Matthew 5:39)


Matthew 5:44 says "But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."  Humanly we want to say, " Hey you. Why are you acting like this? Why are you treating me this way? I do not deserve this! I did not do anything to you to deserve this!" But we have to choose to move on, forgive and forget. I John 4:20 says "If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen."

 Wow for someone who has been hurt by a friend this whole journey to forgive and move on is very difficult.Whether we have done something to 'deserve it" or not does not matter. It does not bring glory to God to live with with anger or hate in your heart towards someone.  Only with God's help are we able to have victory.

PRAYER: Lord God I pray you will give strength to those who need it to be able to forgive someone who has wronged or hurt them. This person may not even realize they hurt someone so that is even tougher to give it up and let go. Father I ask for your power to be able to do this and move on in life. In Jesus Name. Amen.