Winning Wisdom: Prayer for the Adversary

Topic: Prayer for the Adversary [Saturday, 25th Feb. 2017]

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. (Matthew 5:44)

An adversary is an enemy that is constantly and continually against us. Many a times, we are faced with antagonists who would give anything to bring us down. This has left many believers in confusion, as they don't know what to do about these people who attack them for no reason, and as examples they can't fight back as it were. Plus, Christ also said in Matthew 5:39 "....whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also." This leaves them wondering what action can be taken in the face of oppression.

Since we can literally not turn our other cheek to be slapped, what then can we do? The answer is simple: Love them and PRAY for them. Christ clearly states in Matthew 5:44 "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you". Christ was not only gave this instruction, He practised it in the time of the most undeserved persecution. As He was led to His death, He prayed "Father forgive them; for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34). This is powerful, that even at death He prayed for those who killed Him.

If you're thinking 'it's Christ, He was to die anyway', how about Steven, the first martyr, who was only an apostle? As he was being stoned to death in Acts 7:60, he prayed a similar prayer "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge". It is very possible to pray for your enemies as they hate, persecute and despitefully use you. It is in loving and praying for our enemies that men know we are sons of God (Matthew 5:45).

Keep winning daily.

Wise Action:
Make it a habit today to add a good prayer point for your enemies in your daily prayer.

By Esun Tekeme