We're all familiar with the command to love our neighbours. It's something that we, practising Christians, ought to pay a lot of attention to.
However, some of us don't always have the enthusiasm to love our enemies. The thought of having enemies can even sound a bit dramatic for many of us.
But we shouldn't gloss over this important command just because we're under the impression that it doesn't apply to us. We don't have to have an arch nemesis or be locked in a bitter rivalry with someone to be able to relate and respond to the call to love our enemies.
Even if we aren't in the midst of a bitter quarrel with a former friend or warring with a long-term foe, there will always be people who stand against our values and act to destroy the way of life that we stand for.
You may be thinking, "I don't have any ill feeling towards anyone, why do I need to pray for my enemies? I don't have any." If you do, you won't get off that easy.
Jesus commands us to do more than just withhold animosity towards those that despise us and work against us. He calls us to actively extend love to them. And what do we usually do for the ones we love? We pray for them. We don't forget them when we go to the Lord. As such, we shouldn't leave out those who don't like us from our prayers if we truly love our enemies.
Maybe you're so preoccupied praying for the people you get on with, thinking that you don't have any real enemy, or you simply can't bring yourself to pray for those who've hurt you or intend to. Whatever the reason, it's essential that we recognise that we all have enemies whether they're a burden or not, and we're called to pray for them.
When to do it
We can combat feelings of anger and upset which arise as a result of the treatment we suffer at the hands of those who dislike us by praying for them in response.
Whenever you feel that your mood or actions are being negatively affected by the actions of an enemy, try taking a few moments to talk to God about it. By speaking to him about the situation as soon as possible after it happens, we can avoid allowing these kinds of emotions to fester.
What to pray for
Even moments before his death, Jesus had the strength to pray for His enemies. We can learn from Jesus' actions and deal with our enemies in the same way by praying to our Father in heaven to forgive them for their wrongs against us and others.
In most cases, those who hate us and intentionally hurt us aren't just locked into a battle with us; they're also fighting to feel loved. With this in mind, we can also pray that they can know they're loved not just by us but by Jesus, too.
What to say
Jesus prayed these words before his death: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:24).
Next time you pray, why not recite this same prayer and think about those who are holding a grudge against you or other people you know.
If you're in need of extra inspiration for what to say when you pray for your enemies, this prayer can help.
Jesus, Prince of Peace,
you have asked us to love our enemies
and pray for those who persecute us.
We pray for our enemies and those who oppose us.
With the help of the Holy Spirit,
may all people learn to work together
for that justice which brings true and lasting peace.
To you be glory and honour for ever and ever.
Amen.
