“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:44
One of the most common conversations I’ve had with people is about praying for your enemies. People are very resistant to praying for those they have categorized as their opponent. My pat answer has always been because it changes you. It changes your heart. It changes your perspective.
I’m currently reading through “The Power of a Praying Wife” by Stormie Omartian. I love how she describes it:
“The safeguard you have with prayer is that you have to go through God to do it. This means you can’t get away with bad attitude, wrong thinking, or incorrect motives. When you pray, God reveals anything in your personality that is resistant to His order of things.”
I love this new way of thinking about this verse, about praying for your enemies. When you enter into prayer with God, in sincerity, you can let it all hang out. You can rant and rave and give it all to Him. He can handle it. What He does with it will amaze you.
He doesn’t hit you over the head with a hammer. He doesn’t berate you or call you names. He loves you. He loves the person with whom you are mad.
He will gently remind you that you have your flaws. He will help you recognize that you have a part in the disagreement or conflict. He will show you where you need to change. He will do it all cushioned in such unconditional love you will be grateful.
He safeguards you from yourself as you go through Him to process your anger. He will calm the seas of your heart. He will give you direction. He will help you gain perspective.
First though, you have to go to Him.
Love Your Enemies
