TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Jesus commanded his followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them. It’s a teaching that raises the question of what such prayer should actually contain.

Some believers lean toward prayers similar to those found in the psalms, asking God to silence or judge those who dishonour him. There is a place for that kind of prayer; it reflects a zeal for God’s honour rather than personal vengeance, and even the martyrs in the book of Revelation cry out asking how long God will allow his name to be mocked.

Still, the primary instruction in this teaching points elsewhere. Believers are called chiefly to pray for the blessing and salvation of their enemies. Doing so reflects the character of God himself, since believers most resemble their heavenly Father when they love those who oppose them and pray for their redemption.

This mirrors the gospel message itself. While humanity stood as God’s enemies, Christ died on their behalf. This truth is meant to shape how believers approach prayer for those who oppose them.

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8