Praying for our Enemies

There are just some people who it is hard to love.

They aren't always enemies, sometimes they are persecutors. When I am hurt by someone, especially someone who knows they hurt me and are unrepentant about it, I find it helps to pray.

Some of you are saying, "Of course you pray: For peace, to be able to forgive them, for God to make them stop, etc." How about praying for the unrepentant person who hurt you? That soul is going to suffer for the unrepentance, either here or on the other side. Wouldn't it be better for them to learn not to repeat that action so they don't hurt more people?

Now I realize that people think, "Why should I pray for that (insert negative comment here)?"

First, because you have enmity for that person...Just a little. Praying for the enemy of your heart can bring you peace and sometimes open your eyes to sins you have committed against the person that caused them to behave that way toward you. Occasionally, I have realized that the hurt starts with me, either I was oversensative or they were simply having a bad day and it wasn't intended to hurt.

Second, because isn't it better for that person to become/return to being a penitent child of God rather than an unrepentant sinner? I don't think it is easy to pray for my enemies, but I have found that by doing so, I learn to put them in God's hands and God's timing rather than expecting my own timing. It teaches me to love and to be patient, to trust the Will of God and to be more aware of both his justice and mercy.

Finally, because if that person isn't repentant, then he or she doesn't see what they are doing as wrong. If that is the case, they will do it over and over, hurting others. Isn't it better to pray that fewer people are hurt rather than more people are hurt? I would much rather put my 'enemies' in the Lord's hands, asking him to help them see the light than wishing more pain upon them in revenge. I don't want revenge, I want the Lord to help show them the way. Sometimes we need painful lessons for us to see the Lord's light, sometimes we don't. Either way, I think it is better for the Lord to find the best way for them to reach him, he knows their hearts and he knows them best, just like he knows me best. He can number the very hairs upon each one of our heads, so I know that he also knows the best way for us.

And if that person learns repentance, then I would want God to have mercy on them. The lessons that lead that person to repentance are far better instructors than any person on earth ever could be.

Psalm 27:11
Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.

Psalm 32:8
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.

Matthew 10:30
And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

Matthew 5:
"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 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. 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."

Proverbs 9:8
Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you.

Revelation 3:19
Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent.