Yahweh’s children are required to emulate His love, His grace, His mercy as they were reflected in our Savior, Jesus Christ. If there were ever a true test and condition of our ability of choice (given freely by God Himself), loving – or even showing kindness towards – someone who hurt us is the ultimate test.
Our human-ness includes emotions that are sometimes difficult to overcome. Our brain carries the fight or flight response that pushes us to reward hurt with hurt. If someone shows hate towards you, then why would you show them love?
…. because Yahweh Whispers
“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:43-45
Our ability to treat our enemies with compassion demonstrates our desire to live a life pleasing to our Heavenly Father. Remember, our own personal behaviors (regardless of how good we believe we are) are NOT why Yahweh loves us or gives us grace. His love mercy, and compassion are gifts of grace. We receive them simply because we are His creation. Therefore, our ability to forgive and love those who hurt us is a reflection of God and Christ living in us.
Those who hurt us are just as worthy of God’s grace and love as we are.
In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For He gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. ‘ Matthew 5:45
Our love should reflect God’s love, regardless of whether we believe the person deserves it.
‘If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even [the] … do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. Matthew 5:46-47
So how do you love someone you can not tolerate? Do you pretend to be nice to them? Do you give them half of your lunch? Do you invite them to your home? The first step is crystal clear…
‘But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! ‘ Matthew 5:44
Genuinely praying for another the ultimate act of love. We are interceding on our enemy’s behalf to God. We are acting as their intercessor (a person who intervenes on behalf of another).
There is a saying that says “hurt people, hurt people”. The first “hurt” is used as an adjective and describes the person – they are hurting, or in pain. The second “hurt” is used as a verb and shows action upon another person – they “hurt” me. Many men who watched their wives give birth experienced words of anger or pain from the laboring mother. However, once the pain is over and the baby is born, the mother is kind and happy and regrets the things she said.
When someone hurts you or treats you unkindly, they are often coming from their own place of pain and suffering. Praying for them may move God to change the circumstances of their lives. The core of this miracle may be why we DON’T want to pray for them. After all, why would we want something good for someone who hurt us?
As Christians, our first job is to reflect God and Christ in the way we treat others.
Christ was, and is, the ultimate intercessor for us. He advocates for us to His Father. He died as the ultimate sacrifice for our wrongs. He intercedes for us even when we do not know or acknowledge Him.
Praying for our enemies is our way of reflecting Christ and allowing Him to live through us. Praying for our enemies allows us to put our own feelings, thoughts, and pride aside to intercede on behalf of another. Focusing on others helps to dim and heal our own pain their hurt caused for us. Genuinely praying for our enemies – and interceding on their behalf – opens our hearts and increases our love for others.
Praying for our enemies is also the first step in forgiving them – moving us one step further on our path to reflect the light and love of Yahweh.
‘But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.’ Matthew 5:43-48
Our prayer for you:
Heavenly Father, we ask that You heal the pain of hurt in the heart of the one receiving this Whisper. Please show them Your love for them and Your grace. Show them in each moment, in each today, and in each tomorrow. Give them the guidance and strength to pray for those who caused them hurt and pain. Open their eyes to Your love and grace. Guide their path to You. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
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An additional note: If you are in an abusive situation or relationship, please seek help and shelter away from your abuser. Below are some resources for you.
Abuse Resources by State
National Domestic Abuse Hotline
- https://www.thehotline.org/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=domestic_violence
- 800-799-7233
- Text START to 88788
Woman Against Abuse
- https://www.womenagainstabuse.org/get-help/resources
- 1.866.723.3014
Men’s Resources For Domestic Violence And Sexual Assault
- https://www.onslowwc.org/mens-resources-domestic-violence-and-sexual-assault
- 24 Hours Crisis Hotline: 910-347-4000
Guide for Male Survivors of Domestic Violence
Men’s Resource Center (based in Michigan, but offers online services)
