Interceding For Those Who Hurt Us

As the cloud moved from above the Tabernacle, there stood Miriam, her skin as white as snow from leprosy. When Aaron saw what had happened to her, he cried out to Moses, “Oh, my master! Please don’t punish us for this sin we have so foolishly committed. Don’t let her be like a stillborn baby, already decayed at birth.”

Numbers 12:10-13

As the Israelites camped in the wilderness near Hazeroth, Aaron and Miriam criticized Moses for marrying a Cushite woman. As punishment, God caused Miriam to be infected with a terrible skin disease. Aaron appealed to Moses to intercede on Miriam’s behalf, and Moses did. He earnestly prayed and begged the Lord to heal her. God answered Moses’ prayer; Miriam was healed, though she was placed outside the camp for seven days. Even though Miriam had criticized Moses, he was still willing to intercede in prayer for her.

Are you willing, as Moses was, to be an intercessor—even for someone who has been unkind to you? Today, pray for someone who has hurt you.

• Dear God, make me a willing intercessor for those who criticize me. Please help . . .