Comments
Brandon Pembleton
on 10/24/2023 at 11:31 PM
Pray for those that did harm to you that you are the last person they do harm to and they fix their life. Not an easy prayer by any means. When I went through a divorce a couple of years ago I came across this. It kept me sane. Granted at that time it was pretty hard to pray for my ex to have a good life when the wounds I had were wide open and bleeding everywhere. I remember praying that then immediately after being like oh eff that. But I kept at it. I began training myself for the moments she would come to mind and they weren’t pleasant thoughts to go to that prayer of praying for her to have a good and happy life. With time and a lot of effort to change the way I thought it got easier and it allowed me to fully let go of the hurt instead of hanging on to it to “punish” her. Hanging on to hurt just to keep someone else’s feet to the fire only gets us burned. Let go and pray they find salvation. Thank You God for this most important lesson. I love You God amen 🙏
Tommy Williamson
on 10/24/2023 at 08:30 PM
Let us all remember what Jesus said about forgiveness. Matthew 6:14-15 14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. If we don’t forgive those who wrong then our Father will not forgive us. So we must forgive everyone that goes us wrong even when we find it hard to do.
Robert Wyatt
on 10/24/2023 at 06:22 PM
It is hard to pray for those that mean you no good. The Bible never said it would be easy I believe that’s why the Apostle Paul said I press for the mark of the high calling of Jesus Christ. I enjoyed each comment be blessed brothers.
Jake C. Martin.
on 10/24/2023 at 05:09 PM
Probably the best advice I've gotten from scripture. We had a meeting about somethings that I said to my supervisor in anger about somethings that are wrong in the shop, even tho I was upset I was still speaking facts, however since then my boss seems to be punishing me for what I said. As if I shouldn't have said anything. I was so mad about it for almost 2 weeks I would have dreams about my boss that's when I remembered this and I had to give it to the lord and just pray for him. I can't say that I'm happy about the situation but I have found some peace and I'm not stressing about what he does. THANK THE LORD 🙏
Old Dude
on 10/24/2023 at 05:03 PM
@Michael Ratcliff - If I didn't know better, I would say we work for the same employer. LOL 😂
Old Dude
on 10/24/2023 at 04:30 PM
Today's devo was timely. There is a certain "bone head" son-in-law I have the urge to "go off" on for his being an irresponsible parent to our grandsons; however, I chose to ask our heavenly Father to bless him instead. I think I feel better. 🤔🙏🏻🇮🇱
Micah R
on 10/24/2023 at 04:17 PM
I find it really hard to pray for my enemies, although I have become better at keeping my mouth shut, I still have very much to learn. I find it hard because one of my ‘enemies’ really just has no respect they just don’t know how to be nice it feels like, nevertheless I will try with all my soul heart and mind to follow Jesus! Please pray for me because today I’m doing a devotion in front of a few (20) people and I just want to say exactly what the lord wants and lord please “fire up” my spirit so I can do your will!
Ethan Rogers
on 10/24/2023 at 04:01 PM
I think that Steven R got it right. Thank you, brother.
I do practice praying for those that persecute me. Some people are hard to deal with, especially those who are manipulative. I pray that I can shine above and show God's love through my interactions.
For the love of the Lord prevails all darkness.
The Holy Spirit is within us, brothers. May we open our hearts and let His peace tame our self-centered ego.
Praise our God of all understanding.
Michael Ratcliff
on 10/24/2023 at 03:43 PM
I’m actually dealing with this now with my current employer. He is very degrading and seems to enjoy taking all of your positive vibes out of the day! I struggle mightily but hopeful for some good news soon!
Justin Barrett
on 10/24/2023 at 03:33 PM
There are people in my life that are really hard to deal with. It’s really hard to pray for their blessings, but we are commanded to love our enemies. It’s hard it’s really hard!
Tommy Williamson
on 10/24/2023 at 02:58 PM
Many times people say and do things to us that hurt very deeply, yet we have to be forgiving and display Christ to them not matter how we feel about it. On September 14th, just 2 weeks after I had my heart attack and 9 days before our 28th anniversary, my wife got really mad at me after I had come out of the doctors office. In process of her fit she informed me that we have not had a marriage for years. If this had happened a year prior I would have been all over her about when she has done to help wreck it. Instead I sat there and took her onslaught and remained quite as I prayed and cried. About a week later I texted her apologizing for my wrong doings, telling her that I still loved her and wanted to work things out while asking her to give me a list of what I have done wrong to get to this point. I have not gotten any response back yet but I have tried. Sometimes we just have to let the Lord take over and help take control of things. I’m sure that I shocked my wife when I didn’t respond in my old normal angry manner but this old man is still learning to try to do better each day.
Ashley Jarvis
on 10/24/2023 at 02:45 PM
Hate the sin, not the sinner. My ability to forgive has sprouted from my ability to see past another’s words and actions into the hurt child inside from which they’re coming from. This sprouted from my searching myself, and finding the hurt boy inside who was acting out and landed me in treatment. That hurt boy sprouted from years of living in this world and doing the best I knew how, having learned the ways of the world. Jesus, teaches us a different way. Jesus, re-educates us. A 12 step program combined with the teachings of the Bible, mixed with the wisdom
Boyce Moses
on 10/24/2023 at 02:41 PM
To me, this is the hardest part of being a Christian, praying for those that hurt us. We have to pray that Jesus comes into their heart and brings peace into their lives. The situation in Israel is even harder for me to pray for those that I view as evil, but I have to pray that God comes into their hearts also. Love you Jesus! 💙💜💚❤️
Travis Wingrove
on 10/24/2023 at 01:40 PM
I really needed this today. I struggle in this area. It's easy to love those that I like but man do I spew venom on my enemies. I pray I am to show Christ to all that he God may be glorified and both friend and enemy see Christ in me.
Daniel C
on 10/24/2023 at 01:14 PM
There was an elderly lady in the news today that was a hostage and they gave her over to the Red Cross today. She turned back and shook her captors hands and said Shalom (peace) to them. If she can do it then who am I not to as difficult as it is
Daniel C
on 10/24/2023 at 01:10 PM
I struggle with your exact question too Michael. On my church pamphlet on the prayers for the Holy Land it says pray "help all people choose the rigorous path of just peace and disavow violence" ... Matthew 5:43-45 Jesus says to pray for our enemies and it's hard over this situation. I think because we have emotions tied into it of anger and sadness. And based off those emotions I find it hard to do (which for me means I need to do it because I'm letting anger get the best of me and sinning over my anger towards what's happening) But if Jesus says to do it then we should. Point of this is you're not alone and it is complicated. But instead of looking out (towards the world/what's happening) we should look up and theirs our answer
Steven R
on 10/24/2023 at 01:01 PM
I have learned to pray for people who have hurt me and been cruel to me. but my prayer is not for them to be successful but that they learn God's ways. When I pray for my "enemies," I lift them up to God and ask Him to show them the right way to live, to turn their hearts to him as He turned my heart from sin to life.
Barry LaForce
on 10/24/2023 at 12:47 PM
Good morning my brothers in the Lord. If you don't mind Robert I will align my desire with you. Man do I ever need strength in that area of my life. God bless everyone. Stay strong. Amen.
michael f vinning
on 10/24/2023 at 12:41 PM
Yeah this is a tough one. Does that mean we pray for Hamas or hezzbollah? Bc I pray they be eradicated from the face of the earth!! I do my best not to make or have enemies, but shouldn’t I be angry with the Lords enemies? Shouldn’t I hate what the Lord hates?
Robert McFaddin
on 10/24/2023 at 11:02 AM
Lord God please help me to love like You love. Please help me to not give into my flesh. Help me walk in the Spirit and say no to my flesh.
297/365: Get Some Self Control
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. ~ Romans 12:14
Restraint. Self-Control.
When others are pouring hate on you, keep your focus on God's best for you instead of focusing on your disgust for them.
Yes, you may have a few salty words for that person when you blow off steam, but keep your mouth off their soul - it isn't your place or your job to curse them and wish them to hell.
Sometimes the best way to bless those who rail against you is to pray they find peace. Pray for your enemy right now - and release yourself.
GO DEEPER: Hebrews 13: 15-17