Sunday, September 16, 2007

PRAYING FOR THE ENEMY

Yesterday, I had someone declare themselves to be my enemy. This is a rare position for me to be in. My first reaction was emotional. I felt wronged, and except for a few who I know would stand by me, very much alone. During the night I tossed and turned, until I remembered God's Word.....

Love Your Enemies (Luke 6)
27 “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. 30 Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. 31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.
32 “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. 35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. 36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.


So, I began to pray for my enemy. Not for how my enemy had wronged me. But for my enemy's life. For my enemy's family. For the difficulties that my enemy is facing. I prayed long and I prayed hard.

I prayed as lovingly as I could for my enemy, not because I am good. I am not. I am less than good. I prayed because God is good. God is holy. God is righteous. And I love Him.

Today, I still struggle with unrest. Today, I am reminded that my response will teach those around me what I believe and not what I may preach. Today, I still feel that "aloneness" in the pit of my stomach. Today, I still have much to learn and change, much that still needs the redemptive power of a Mighty God.

But today, I continue to submit to One who is safe. One who sees the outcome, no matter how difficult that may be for me, who I know to be trustworthy. Today, I continue to pray for my enemy, as lovingly as I know how.



“When it comes time to die, make sure that all you have to do is die.” -- Jim Elliot (Martyr...it would be worth your time to Google him if you don't know anything about his life.)

Image taken from here.

11 comments:

KayMac said...

I came across this resource after I wrote this post. This really says it all. http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Articles/ByDate/2007/2389_The_Gospel_in_6_Minutes/

BTW, to my sister who is going through her own enemy territory...I have not forgotten to pray for you.

Sara said...

i pray for you as well my sweet sister. this has become my meditation and in it; my peace has been renewed. i ask you Father, to move with that deep peace into my sister's heart and soul. let her find the sweetest joy of her life in this prayer for her enemy. and in all things, be thou glorified. amen.
love you.

Sara said...

p.s. this prayer is doing much more for my insides than my former prayer,
"Lord, run 'em over with a smart bus."

ouizard said...

take care, Kaymac. God will keep you safe always. ^_^

Tracey, in MI said...

sorry you're going through this- praying for you. ts

ps- I still call you friend;) Never enemy;)

Richard said...

No one has ever formally declared themselves to be my enemy. I quickly read something on a plaque at church this weekend, but since I was moving, I didn't have time to commit it properly to memory. It went something like this (and a google search didn't turn it up, so I must have it wrong): If love no longer burns in our heart then many people will be left in the cold.

Pat said...

Powerful post - I can't imagine anyone being your enemy, never the less...you are in my prayers.

KayMac said...

SARA: You make me think AND you make me laugh. Thank you for your prayers and your friendship. I have been thinking about our recent conversation, and it has helped.

TH: Thanks! It was so good to hear from you. Praying for you daily.

TRACEY: I am sure of your support.

RICHARD: Good quote, as always!

PAT: Thanks. Praying for you as well.

Jada's Gigi said...

What an incredible quote at the end of your post today. you are not alone....He walks with you as do your brother snd sisters...I'll be praying

Margie said...

you are amazing... and I love you.

KayMac said...

JG & MARGIE: thanks for the prayers!