Pray Always

Matthew 5:44

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

Regarding this verse, the Wesley Study Bible notes that the extension of love to your enemies is justified by Jesus’ understanding of the perfection of God as stated in verse 48, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

The notes continue, stating that perfection “… is not a characteristic unique to God, but one that God’s followers should emulate. Just as God allows good things (“rain”) to happen to the just and unjust, so must God’s followers treat others (whether good or evil) with consistent love.” 

That’s certainly a tall order. When I was in high school, several friends and I were at the mall with our youth director. It was near Christmas, when parking spaces are at a premium. She had located someone leaving and signalled while allowing the driver to back out, when someone came from the opposite direction and took the space. 

Her reaction is one I still remember. She just said, “God loves you, and I’m trying.” No anger. No honking. Just that simple statement in response to a mildly frustrating interaction. 

I often remember her reaction in conjunction with this verse. Granted, it is a stretch to refer to someone unfairly taking a parking place as an enemy, but it does remind me to love and pray for everyone, including my enemies. 

Of course, it is much harder to love and pray for those who deliberately hurt us or someone we love. Often, those who hurt us have been hurt themselves. I try to remember the wounds of my enemies as I pray. My prayers for my enemies are certainly a work in progress, but, like my youth director years ago, I’m trying.  

Prayer

Today, God, I pray for my enemies. May I love them as you consistently love me. Help me to model Your love in my daily interactions with those who frustrate, annoy, or hurt me through prayer. 

This devotional was written by Kathryn King and read by Greta Smith.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.