“But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous” (Matthew 5:44-45).
I think God has been nudging me lately to think more about my enemies and especially to pray for them. I recently read the above verses in my daily Bible reading and this past Sunday our preacher tucked it into his sermon on Pure Love. I couldn’t think of any personal enemies in my life, but there are plenty of enemies of my faith. Maybe, I need to pay more attention to this command from Jesus.
Our cultural norms are challenged more and more these days. Many public and/or political people are expressing a view of marriage and human sexuality that goes against God’s Word. There are those who advocate killing unborn children. Are these the enemies I should pray for? I think so. These people need prayer and our love and they certainly need God.
I’ve decided to pray often for our Presidential candidates and government leaders already in office. Not all of these are enemies of our faith but they all need our prayers. Those who wish to protect our freedom of religion need boldness and wisdom and those who wish to take away our freedom need the love of God in their lives.
Will you join me in praying for these people?
” If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5: 46-48).
yes yes yes
Diana, your writings are beautiful! And, encouraging! Thanks for sharing. Lisa