In light of recent events, it is incredibly powerful and encouraging to see the world rally around communities suffering and praying for those affected. But I can’t help but think that someone is left out of these prayers.
The Sermon on the Mount is often remembered for the Beatitudes, but there are several verses in Jesus’ message that many congregations tend to glance over in their teachings.
Matthew 5:44-45: “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous (New Revised Standard Version).”
Jesus calls us, as Christians, to pray for our enemies, not just for those with similar views as our own. This is an important verse at all times, but especially today, when the world is in turmoil over acts of terrorism and war.
As simple as it is to pray for your own, for people like you — but isn’t that something anyone can do?
Showing support for the hurting in the world is wonderful, but it is a step above to pray for those who are doing the hurting. As Christians, we are told to be a light to others, to stand out, to be different from the world around us.
Matthew 5:46-47: “For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same (NRSV)?”
God has the final say in what happens to someone after their life on earth is over – he doesn’t ask us to call judgment upon those who are doing wrong, he asks us to love one another, no matter what.
It’s important to remember that we are not told to pray for the success of our enemies, but to pray for them as individuals. God created these people, the same as he created you or me, and though they may not be on the path God intended for his children, they are still his children.
As God’s heart breaks each time a child of his is harmed due to unnecessary evil, his heart breaks each time one of his children commits one of those acts.
Praying for your enemies can help mend that break. The task at hand is often easier said than done, especially in light of the recent terrorist acts we have witnessed.
Try asking God to help heal the hearts of those involved, on both sides of the act. Don’t ask for their condemnation, ask that they see what they have done and they turn away from it. Pray for them as individuals, as children of God.
So maybe we can add another hashtag alongside #prayforParis and say #prayforenemies and include your enemies in your prayer requests next time you sit down to talk with Jesus.
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