As a follower of Christ we are sometimes asked to do things that seem to defy logic. In this passage of scripture Jesus tells his followers to pray for their enemies.
Matthew 5:43-48…43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[i] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (NIV)
It seems to go against human nature to pray for those that intend to do you harm, yet that is what we are asked to do. What we have to remember is that before we gave our hearts to Christ we were once enemies to the Cross. But Jesus chose to die for us anyway. The bible tells us that while we were still sinners (enemies of the Cross) Jesus died for us.
When we choose to pray for our enemies we are choosing to take on the character of Christ and set aside our human nature that seeks revenge. Jesus is telling us to do the hard things as Christians. Don’t take the easy path or the same path that everyone else takes.
Learn to love those that don’t love you and pray for those that mean you harm and you will be a better reflection of the Christ you follow.
Written by Larry Westfall. Copyright © Finding Wonder 2013.
