I heard Kathy had a stroke and was in the hospital. Concerned, I texted her husband and told him we were praying for her and that we love them. It was a natural response. They are friends and we love them very much. Prayer shows concern for each other’s wellbeing, but what about praying for our enemies?
In his famed sermon, Jesus said, “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). Many thinkers and philosophers developed ethics of love for good people and others who think like us. However, Jesus required more. We must love our enemies, not merely do no harm or ignore them, but love them. As a sign of that love, he says to pray for our enemies.
Consider Their Humanity
Praying for our enemies humanizes them. Historically, we dehumanize the enemy to feel better about destroying them. Certainly, sometimes the enemies are monsters, and we must stop them or even kill them before they hurt or kill others (Joshua 6:21; 7:24-26; 1 Samuel 15:32-33). But, even when death is required, God wants us to consider their humanity—in particular their souls.
Praying for our enemies also humanizes us. It forces us to look inward “lest we too be tempted” (Galatians 6:1). Maybe we are the bad guys and praying for our enemies makes us examine the conflict and admit our culpability.
Before It’s Too Late
Having enemies is a part of life—especially the Christian life. Jesus did not say, “Do not have enemies.” He said, “Love your enemies.” Christian living is an affront to people living in sin (John 3:19-21; 15:18-19; 1 Peter 4:4). Being an enemy does not rob them of humanity and the need for God’s grace. We pray their evil endeavors, immoral machinations, or murderous plots will be thwarted. We also pray we may save their souls before it is too late.
Preaching Minister