“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,”
Matthew 5:44
This is one of the most difficult commands that Jesus gives us. As the previous verse to this one states, ”You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ (Matthew 5:43). This is worldly, human common sense. Jesus is setting the bar higher. He is telling us to be like God, “so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matthew 5:45) If God makes the sun shine and the rain fall on the good and the unjust, then we, who are striving to become like God, should do the same.
Who are our enemies and those who persecute us? This answer may include a larger number of people than we first believe. Many of us may believe that we do not have any enemies because we are not at war with, or fighting with anyone, and we may also feel that no one is persecuting us. While this may be true, there are several other types of people that this command may refer to.
Is there someone in your life with whom you have a disagreement? Maybe you disagree over politics, theology, philosophy, lifestyle, etc. Do you sometimes find yourself thinking about how much this person’s opinions bother you? Do you sometimes have rage fantasies about how you would like to respond to them? Pray for them.
Do you sometimes find yourself extending a disagreement to an entire political party, nationality, race, or any other group based on behavior, characteristics, or lifestyle? Pray for them.
Praying for those that we have differences with can soften our hearts and theirs. This act of obedience to God will transform us from resentful to merciful and grateful. It is very hard to hate someone when you are praying for them.