Being a Christian means doing the opposite of what human nature desires many times. Praying for your enemy is one of them. Thoughts of revenge can be satisfying and fulfills a baser element in our flesh. But it is not what we are told to do according to scripture.
One was to do this is set aside a specific time of day, and pray for those who wronged, annoyed, or trespassed towards us. For instance, make a habit of setting 8pm aside for a couple of minutes to do just this; I know this will take discipline. Remember that many are in need of prayer themselves, and may be hurting inside. It's forced, of course; maybe disingenuous. But I believe after time passes, we can see those who wronged us as flawed people with their own weakness and demons, just like us. We can then see ourselves in them and their own humanity, instead of enemies. If necessary, ask for God's grace in letting the bitterness of anger mar your soul. Let Him know your struggle to forgive, and that you seek to do what He commands you to do.
Why do this? First, it is because Christ commanded it. Matthew 5:43-45 states: "43You have heard that it was said, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.' 44"But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.…"
Second, it is good for our soul not to become embittered with hatred that festers through the years and disturbs one's peace that gives us our witness to others. We remember that we, too, are human and have made mistakes and hurt people as well, and that humbles us and we learn from it. Would we want those who we hurt to forgive us? Prayer cannot be just expressing our desires and whims, it should also about us becoming better people. We can't all minister only to our friends, anyway.
Temporal things that give momentary pleasure, such as intoxication, arguing, pettiness, grudges, and the like are anathema to the Christian life; it goes against the human grain. But those temporary pleasures can be our permanent downfall if we let them. Let's be better about it.
One was to do this is set aside a specific time of day, and pray for those who wronged, annoyed, or trespassed towards us. For instance, make a habit of setting 8pm aside for a couple of minutes to do just this; I know this will take discipline. Remember that many are in need of prayer themselves, and may be hurting inside. It's forced, of course; maybe disingenuous. But I believe after time passes, we can see those who wronged us as flawed people with their own weakness and demons, just like us. We can then see ourselves in them and their own humanity, instead of enemies. If necessary, ask for God's grace in letting the bitterness of anger mar your soul. Let Him know your struggle to forgive, and that you seek to do what He commands you to do.
Why do this? First, it is because Christ commanded it. Matthew 5:43-45 states: "43You have heard that it was said, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.' 44"But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.…"
Second, it is good for our soul not to become embittered with hatred that festers through the years and disturbs one's peace that gives us our witness to others. We remember that we, too, are human and have made mistakes and hurt people as well, and that humbles us and we learn from it. Would we want those who we hurt to forgive us? Prayer cannot be just expressing our desires and whims, it should also about us becoming better people. We can't all minister only to our friends, anyway.
Temporal things that give momentary pleasure, such as intoxication, arguing, pettiness, grudges, and the like are anathema to the Christian life; it goes against the human grain. But those temporary pleasures can be our permanent downfall if we let them. Let's be better about it.
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