Enemies

enemies - How can I love my enemies?

[Jesus said,] “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!”

Matthew 5:43-44

All of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.

1 Peter 3:8-9

If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. . . . Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

Romans 12:20-21

Everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.

Romans 3:23

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”

Luke 23:34

LOVING AN ENEMY means seeing him or her as Jesus does—as a person in need of grace. If someone in our lives feels impossible to love, we can begin by praying, “Lord, how do you want me to pray for this person?” Over time, God will change the posture of our hearts toward this person. Whenever you feel hurt—pray. When you feel betrayed—pray. When you feel heartbroken—pray. Prayer keeps your focus on God and off retaliation. Showing love to one’s enemies always feels unreasonable—until you remember that before Jesus saved you, you were an enemy of God.

Prayer Prompts

Lord, please show me how I should pray for this difficult person in my life: . . .

This is how your Word urges me to love and pray for my enemies: . . .