Praying for Our Enemies

By Dennis RossJesus taught, “…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)
Paul wrote by the Holy Spirit’s inspiration, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;…” (1 Timothy 2:1) (This certainly would include our enemies.)
Why should we pray for our enemies? “That ye may be the children of your Father which is in Heaven.” (Matthew 5:45) Only the “children” will inherit. (Cf. Romans 8:17) Is that not every Christian’s goal? Being God’s child is worth far more than causing harm to our enemies. Yet, some Christians seemingly cannot love or pray for their enemies; nor do they consider that if they persist in their ungodly attitudes, they will spend eternity with the very people for whom they cannot pray or feel love. What a sobering thought that is.
First, let each of us ask, “Who is my enemy?” The following is taken from Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words:
“Enemy – … an adjective, primarily denoting ‘hated’ or ‘hateful’ (akin to echthos, ‘hate;’ perhaps associated with ektos, ‘outside’). Hence, in the active sense, denotes ‘hating, hostile;’ it is used as a noun, signifying an ‘enemy,’ adversary, and is said …
a.  Of men who are opposed to Christ (Philippians 3:18);
b.  Of Israel’s alienation from God (Romans 11:28);
c.   Of the unregenerate in their attitude toward God (Romans 5:10);
d.  Of believers in their former state (2 Thessalonians 3:15); (Note: I believe this passage refers to those who are presently in a fallen state. dr)
e.  Of foes (Matthew 5:43-44).”
Who then are our enemies? Perhaps they are those who are in the world, lost in sin. Or maybe it is a brother or sister in Christ from whom the church has withdrawn fellowship. Could it be someone whom you resent, or who has something against you, a person against whom you have a grudge? Regardless who your enemy is, for what do you pray? That you might not have to see them face-to-face? Or talk with them?  That you might not find yourself in a situation where you are forced to “deal” with them?  Or do you pray for them at all?
Jesus taught, “…Do Good to them…” (Matthew 5:44) This truth is also found in the following Scriptures:
“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.’ Therefore, if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:18-21)
“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”(Galatians 6:10)
If we are to “do good,” shouldn’t we pray for our enemies? For what then should we pray? Could we not pray for opportunities to do good? For opportunities to use edifying words? Ultimately, what greater good could we exercise than by preaching the Gospel? It is written:
“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”(Colossians 4:5-6)
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” (Ephesians 4:29)
If indeed you do pray for your enemies, how will your prayers be answered? Consider the farmer who prays for a good crop that will help to support his family. Would his prayer be answered if he did nothing more than sit on the porch and watch his field to see what it would produce? He’d have nothing but a crop of weeds to harvest? So then, if you pray for your enemies, should you be doing something to ensure that your prayers are answered? (Of course, the prayers of those who prayed that they might not have to “deal” with their enemies would be answered by their own actions toward them!) God expects His children to act with regard to the prayers they offer up to Him. Consider these passages: “And whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.” (1 John 3:22)
“And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.” (1 John 5:14-15)
Jesus taught:
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) “Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:20-21)
If you remember these passages, how do you put them into action? What do you do for your enemies? Or, do you act against them? Is that what God’s child should do? (Remember Matthew 5:45) God’s child should be above mean, worldly things. He is to furnish “light” and “salt” to a world in darkness and without love; he is to be a Christian. A Christian not only prays for his enemies, but he also does something to cause them to turn from their enmity toward God. He seeks to do good unto all.
Jesus demands of us things that are not easy; but then, carrying the cross wasn’t easy. Our burdens may be difficult, but Jesus shares them with us. He lived among His enemies. He preached the truth. He went about doing good. And He is our example.
“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)
“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth: Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteous …” (1 Peter 2:21-23)
“Love your enemies, bless them … do good to them …, and pray for them!” (Matthew 5:44)
In His word, Jesus gives us many commands to follow. Probably none of them are more difficult than the one discussed in this article—love your enemies. Why do we have to love someone who seeks ill and has been unkind toward us? In a word—LOVE. It is easy to love one who loves you, who seeks to be your friend and always does what he can to bring you happiness. The opposite is more difficult, but it is far more important. Loving our enemies is one of the greatest and strongest lessons we can teach those who are outside of Christ. When we should be seeking ways to get even, we seek ways to help them. Instead of hating them, we love their souls. How difficult do you suppose it was for Jesus to ask His Father to forgive those who were causing His death on the cross? (Luke 23:34) But that is exactly what He did! Why? He loved them, even though they did not love Him. Love and pray for your enemies, and you will help them and yourself. (KMG)

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