Have you been struggling with the whole "pray for your enemies" commandment? How on earth is it fair or normal to pray for someone who did you harm? Why would anyone wish well on the very person that stole from us? Is it really natural to pray for someone else to be blessed when they are mean spirited? The truth is it is not "normal" or even "natural" to want to pray for your foes but when the Lord shows you why you should through your spiritual eyes and not your natural, it makes sense. We all will reap what we have sown. Therefore if we pray for our enemies, the Lord will bless us in our heart and soul. I remember when my boss shared some devastating news with me about my salary change and inside I was distraught, angry and upset but instead I told him it was okay and I was going to continue to tithe my money as if my income was not effected and the Lord would provide and take care of it. The cold demeanor instantly warmed in his face and he said, "Give me a hug". I knew the spirit was upon me. I had to look to Jesus for the strength to continue to work there without strife or bitterness for I knew I had done nothing to deserve such a substantial pay cut. But I accepted it because I knew that nothing happened in my life that God would not allow. I use this as an example because someone may say "how on earth can you pray for this guy to do well after what he just did to you?" The truth is the Lord wants us to pray for all others. The way to pray for an enemy is to pray for their salvation. That they come to know the Lord in a personal and intimate way so that their hearts and lives can be changed. Pray for the owner of your company so that the Lord can help them understand the proper way to treat their employees. What a wonderful God we serve because now this prayer not only benefits one man's eternal life but all the personnel that may have struggled like you or I with unjust actions. If the person that harmed you is a Christian, than you ask the Lord to soften their hearts to His ways and pray that they turn back to God to help them with their lives that have gone off track. I promise you this actually frees you to a place that is wholesome and serene. You will feel the old thoughts being removed and you will feel lighter. In turn you will reap wonderful harvests for your obedience and selflessness. So I challenge you today to pray for someone that has hurt you, stole from you, cheated you, lied to you, whatever cross you bear, give them to God and watch His wonderful miraculous work in you. Have a blessed Friday!
Matthew 5:44
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