The theme of hatred and revenge against injustice is so appealing that it gained popularity even in the world of fiction. The famous novel by Alexander Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo, revolves around the main protagonist, Edmond Dantes, and his quest for revenge. When he was about to be married, a jealous friend betrayed him and wrongfully threw him in prison. Dantes found a way to escape prison and found the treasure of the Island of Monte Cristo. He became rich and took on a different identity, the Count of Monte Cristo, and, filled with a vengeful heart, he set out to punish those who caused him suffering.
Stories like this stir up our desire to pursue “necessary” justice against our enemies, regardless of how it is done. We find so much influence in the exhilarating world of action movies that the desire to pursue justice and vengeance against the ones we see as enemies is so compelling. We want to be so much like the action heroes who, against all odds, will stop at nothing to conquer the evil villains. With such a strong motive, praying for our adversaries becomes a remote consideration. But as we read the teachings of Jesus Christ, we find a change of perspective that challenges our usual response to our enemies.
In Matthew 5:44, Jesus teaches all believers not only to love their enemies but also to pray for those who persecute us. Showing us the way to mercy, forgiveness, and reconciliation can alleviate hostility among people.
Should We Pray for Our Enemy?
As Jesus was teaching this, He refuted a commonly known law among the Jews that said to love your neighbor and hate your enemy (Matthew 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.). The Laws of Moses actually stated the command to love one’s neighbor (Leviticus 19:18). But in Jesus’ time, many religious teachers twisted this principle by introducing a harmful misconception, encouraging the Jews to respond in hatred against the people they deemed as enemies, especially those who were not of the same religious belief and practice. They saw the uncircumcised as enemies, not as neighbors. This hateful addition to the law does not promote proactive love toward those who are disagreeable to the Jews. Originally, God did not intend for this law to be interpreted and applied this way.
Should We Pray for Our Enemy?
The people we regard as “enemies” are not just those we have personal arguments with, those who treat us unjustly, and other people we struggle against, but also those who have different worldviews and different life perspectives and practices. We must learn from what the Bible teaches us about releasing forgiveness, extending the undeserved grace of God, relational restoration, and responding in kindness not in kind.
There will be people who will disagree with what we believe in and the standards that we uphold, and there are those who want to cause harm, whether physically, mentally, or emotionally. But Jesus tells us to love them and pray for them. Praying for our enemies is a powerful act that aligns with God’s desire for reconciliation and restoration. It reflects the example set by Jesus on the cross, where amid great suffering He prayed for those who crucified Him, asking the Father for forgiveness on their behalf. What we see on the cross exemplifies God’s unconditional love and forgiveness that defies the human compulsion to fight back. God’s love forgives our iniquities not because we try to make up for them but because of what He is—gracious and merciful.
When we pray for our enemies, we follow Jesus’ example and take part in God’s plan for reconciliation. It’s an obvious way to express our faith and demonstrate love and forgiveness. The act of forgiveness and reconciliation creates an environment where healing and restoration can thrive, going beyond hate and opening the way for the peace of God. Praying for our enemies does not just benefit the transgressor but transforms those who practice it. It puts us on the path where God wants us to be.
Romans 12:20-21 teaches us that when someone does not treat us kindly, we should not react with hostility but with kindness and prayers for them. When we are kind to those who oppress us, that’s like putting burning coals on top of their head. This doesn’t mean we pray that harm may come upon them but to melt away their hardness of heart. They will start to see the error of their ways and how we have responded in kindness despite their maltreatment.
This teaching reminds us to choose love and understanding over anger. It shows that true strength comes from forgiving and being kind. As we show kindness to those we regard as enemies, we are propagating the goodness of God throughout the world, even when evil confronts us. It’s a powerful way to break the cycle of hate, make room for healing, and get things right again.
When it comes to praying for our enemies, it’s important to remember that this isn’t just mouthing an opinion or idea. It’s something that demands our sincere and careful attention. To really embrace this practice, we need to consider a couple of things:
- Be Genuine
Being authentic is essential to effectively pray for our enemies. It means praying with a heart genuinely inclined toward their well-being and transformation. This sincerity is essential, for it forms the foundation of our prayer. When we approach our prayers with a real desire for the good of our adversaries, we open the door for genuine change to take place.
- Be Consistent and Persevering
Consistent prayer is key to our commitment to the welfare and transformation of our enemies. It demonstrates an enduring dedication to their welfare over time. Showing consistency acknowledges that transformative change and healing may not happen overnight but through sustained effort and perseverance. When we form the habit of praying for our enemies consistently, we’re paving the way for life-changing transformations that the Gospel brings about even in the toughest of situations.
- Always Remember the Forgiveness of Christ
As we pray for our enemies, it’s important to keep in mind the great forgiveness given to us by Christ. In (Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.), we’re reminded to be kind and compassionate, forgiving others just as God forgave us through Christ. This sets the foundation for our approach toward those who may have wronged us. Furthermore, in (Matthew 6:14-15 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.), Jesus emphasizes what forgiveness really looks like: “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” This highlights how God hates intolerance since we are all recipients of undeserved mercy and forgiveness. Praying for our enemies is an act of extending the same grace we have received from Christ. It acknowledges our own imperfections and how big the mercy that God gave us is. It’s an opportunity to follow Jesus’ example—He prayed even for those who persecuted Him, as seen in (Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.).
Should We Pray for Our Enemy?
Should We Pray for Our Enemy?
Should We Pray for Our Enemy?
When we follow these steps in our prayers for our enemies, it makes our words more powerful. It facilitates relational and spiritual healing, bringing people together. This creates a space for forgiveness and growth. Our prayers are very powerful in dissuading anger and making room for a life of peace amid unity.
Last, if loving, forgiving, and praying for the good of our enemies is hard, we must always remember that we were once enemies of God. But because of His goodness, we are reconciled to Him. Romans 5:10-11 tells us how much God loves us. It says that even when we were far from Him, Jesus brought us close again. This shows how big God’s love is. Think about this: Jesus didn’t wait for us to change before loving us. He loved us first, even when we were not acting nicely. This teaches us to love others, even if they are not kind to us.
Jesus told us in Matthew 5:44 to love and pray for our enemies. This means we should be good to people who might not be good to us. When we pray for them, we are asking for good things to happen to them, just as Jesus did for us. So, when we read Romans 5:10-11, let’s remember how much God loves us. This love should inspire us to be kind to everyone, even those who might not be kind to us. When we do this, we are showing God’s love in action, and that can bring big changes in people’s lives.
Dear Lord, today I want to talk to You about people that I feel so much hatred for. I know You love them just as You love me. Please give me the will to love and ask for what is good for them. Help me see them in a kinder way and understand that they might be going through tough times too.
Please give them moments of peace and comfort. Show them Your love, just as You’ve shown me. May Your kindness, exemplified by me, soften their hearts. Please work on their emotions and thoughts so that changes may happen from within. I cannot do that on my own; only You can make that happen.
God, I’m letting go of any hard feelings I have toward my enemies. Fill me with Your love instead. Help me forgive and be understanding, just as You forgave me. Thank You, God. Amen.