The Bible tells us to love our enemies and to pray for those who persecute us. That’s a tough one.
Years ago, I received one of my greatest rewards by doing just that.
Our view of love is often skewed—shaped by Hollywood and Instagram, framed in affection and feel-good moments. But biblical love isn’t a Hallmark movie. So what does God mean when He calls us to love our enemies?
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-48
Pray
We are called to pray for them.
Not just “God, fix this person so they stop hurting me”—though that’s honest and understandable—but something deeper.
God’s love extends to them as much as it does to us. He causes the sun to shine on both. He sends rain to both. He doesn’t ignore the cruelty or injustice. He sees it all—and He hates it.
“There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.” Proverbs 6:16-19
He Hates It Too
God is not indifferent to the deception, betrayal, or pain others cause.
He hates the sin, the meanness, and the manipulation.
He sees the backstabbing and blame-shifting. But He also calls us to give it to Him.
When we pray that our enemies would receive the fullness of God—that they’d be delivered from their own pain and bondage—we step into the true meaning of this verse and of love.
“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for God’s wrath [and His judicial righteousness]; for it is written [in Scripture], “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for by doing this you will heap [e]burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome and conquered by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:19-21
He Will Repay
Sometimes I read Romans 12 and wonder:
When, Lord?
When will You repay? When will You make it stop?
God’s justice does not ignore what happened to you. But He calls us to wisdom:
“Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”
You are not meant to remain in an abusive situation.
You can forgive someone without re-entering the cycle.
Distance may be necessary. So is prayer. So is trust.
Do kind things where you can, but do not fix your heart on their change—fix it on God.
He is patient, He is just, and He will fix it.
Prayer
Lord,
I pray for this person who targets and hurts me.
I ask that You would heal their soul—wherever pain has given the enemy ground.
Deliver them from evil. Lead them in the way of everlasting.
Heal me from the injuries they’ve caused.
Protect me.
Avenge me.
And teach me to love as You love.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
