A Radical Thought: Pray for Enemies.

Posted on Feb 22, 2012 by Chelo in on Faith, Reflections | 0 comments

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Rad⋅i⋅cal

Definition: Extreme, especially as regards change from accepted or traditional form.

In other words, it is so different that it’s just out of this world!

I was reminded of a radical concept tonight. As Jesus Christ went on that mount, people followed him and gathered around him. One of the things he said in the series of teaching was “You have heard that it has been said, you shall love your neighbor, and hate you enemy.” (That sounds reasonable. It is definitely a common practice) But then he goes on… “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” Wow. That’s radical.

Do I have an enemy? Hmmmm.  Maybe a better question would be, “Do I know of anyone who”:

1)      Have a grudge against me?

2)      Have hurt me?

3)      Have mistreated me?

4)      I feel does not like me?

Whether or not I consider them my enemies, if there is no doubt of their hostility, they probably would fall on that “enemy” category.  If that is the case, then I probably have enemies even now because we, being sinners, constantly offend others (intentionally or not) and are constantly offended—especially in a church and family relationship.

So what does God say again?

1.)    Love

2.)    Bless

3.)    Do Good

4.)    Pray for Them

That sure sounds very radical! But then again…this is coming from my Savior, Jesus Christ. He is One who definitely is without sin—therefore no possible reason to sin against anyone—Yet the same people who were followers of him turned against him. Some verbally inflicted pain. Some exacted physical pain. He was completely clean but still publicly humiliated and despised. But what were his words while on the cross? (Luke 23:34) “Father, Forgive them for they know not what they do.” Wow. That’s radical.

The TRUTH is,  I am utterly selfish by nature. When I hurt, I usually want the deepest apology from the other party and justice and punishment! Or I would probably pray along the lines of, “Father, please show so and so how wrong so and so is!” and feel very spiritual and Christ-like that I am praying for the person who “wronged” me.  But this will only spiral downward on my own heart and lead to wrong thinking.  The radical way is to bless them: desire good for them as I pray for them (maybe that their flowers would grow more beautiful this spring, maybe that their tax return would be abundant, maybe that they would be encouraged and comforted and blessed in God’s Word today etc.) This is definitely not a natural urge (maybe that’s why Jesus commanded it). I must keep my heart on guard and being filled with Holy Spirit to respond to inevitable “enemies”.

Jesus Christ not only taught it…He is the supreme example of the radical precepts he taught.

Today: Love, Bless, Do Good, and PRAY FOR specific “enemies”.

I wrote this exactly 3 years ago while going through a very though time in my life.  I am amazed at what has changed since then.  And it is good to be reminded of what the LORD has taught me in His Word.

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