Jesus told us to pray for our enemies. We are going to have enemies because we follow Jesus Christ and some of them will be “religious people” that will not tolerate a true disciple of Christ. Our convictions will be too extreme to them or they do not want to change the wrong things they do, so they criticize our lifestyle. The kind of people who crucified Jesus were the religious leaders of the day, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself being mistreated. If you make a decision to be a radical Christ follower, even some “good church going people” and others will think you are too committed. They may part ways with you because your example exposes their shallowness and Satan will use those who have been close to you to try to hurt and weaken your obedience to Christ. Also, in general society dislikes those who stand for what the Bible teaches. The good news is that this kind of treatment can be a pathway of blessing. Matthew 5:11-12 tells us; Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
PRAYER TIP # 18 – Pray for Your Enemies
Woe to you when all men speak well of you,
For so did their fathers to the false prophets. “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.
Luke 6:26-28
How we respond to our enemies all depends on our faith and love. If we desire a win/lose outcome to our problem; we win, they lose, then we open the door for matters to only grow worse. God’s reputation and our Christian testimony may be damaged. But, if we approach our situation by faith and look for a win/win solution, so that we grow spiritually and our enemies get closer to repentance, then God is glorified. But, if our enemies resist our love and oppose the Lord, we have a guaranteed reward in heaven that will honor Jesus Christ. God wills His very best for us, and we should pray for His best for us and His very best for those who treat us the worst. We can’t do this in our natural strength. It demands a great deal of faith and love and only the Holy Spirit can provide that kind of love. Pray that the goodness of God will bring them to repentance and bring them not into judgment but into obedience.
Prayer Points -
Thank the Lord that You let me share in Your sufferings.
I praise You for Your example of blessing Your enemies.
Pray that the Lord will remove the spiritual blindness from the unsaved.
Ask that they would come to the place that they would receive Christ.
SUGGESTED PRAYER -
Dear Lord You have said; Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. (John 15:20) Help us to remember that it is an honor to suffer for doing good and we praise You for the example You showed us by blessing Your enemies. We come before You and ask that You would intervene in the lives of unbelievers and remove the spiritual blindness from their eyes so they would accept You as Savior. We pray for the backslidden that they would repent and turn to You for cleansing and a fresh start. May we be a godly example and glorify You.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.