They repay me evil for good and leave me like one bereaved. Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered, I went about mourning as though for my friend or brother. I bowed my head in grief as though weeping for my mother. Psalm 35:12-14
It is very easy for a person to pray for someone who they love, such as a family member or close friend. They have great compassion for the loved one when that person is sick or going through a difficult time. Not only will they pray, they will ask many other people to pray for their friend or loved one.
Many times it is a different story when the person sick is an enemy or someone who has done the person wrong. Yes, believers pray for the enemy, but it is usually for their salvation or for God to strike them down and remove them.
David acted differently. He acted as Jesus did a few thousand years later. Jesus had loved the enemy and had compassion on them. Jesus healed the hated Roman soldier’s daughter from a major illness. Ultimately, Jesus provided salvation for every one who hated Him. He called the enemy to come to Him and learn from Him.
You are told by Jesus to love your enemies and do good to them. David had fasted and wept over his enemies when they were sick. He had done this in a way as though they were his mother.
No matter who you are or what you do, there will always be someone who treats you wrong. There will always be someone who is an enemy to you.
You need to show the love them as God has shown His love to you. Jesus died for you, while you hated Him, showing extreme love. He went the extra mile for you.
How are you showing love to your enemies?
Are you praying a two second prayer for them?
Or are you spending time in fasting and prayer for them?
Show the extreme love God has shown you to those who have harmed you today.
I pray today that you will know God’s love for you; that you will have God’s love for those who hate you; that you will show extreme love to your enemies; and that God will strengthen you in your witness of His love.
Great post!
Thank you.
Simply beautiful.
Thank you!