A Prayer to Love My Enemies
By Rachael Adams
Bible Reading:
“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” - Luke 6:27-28 (ESV)
Read or Listen Below:
Who is your enemy? Is it someone who has rejected, betrayed, or deeply hurt you? Jesus calls us to love even that person. This command feels impossible, doesn’t it? Yet Jesus not only instructs us to love our enemies, He shows us how. On the night of His betrayal, Jesus, fully aware of Judas’s intent, knelt to wash his feet. He knew Judas would betray Him, Peter would deny Him, and the disciples would abandon Him, yet His love for them remained steadfast.
Loving those who hurt us is a reflection of God’s supernatural love for us. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. When we follow His example by forgiving and praying for our enemies, we invite His grace to transform our hearts. This doesn’t mean the hurt disappears or the relationship is restored, but it does mean we trust God to bring healing and redemption in His time and His way.
Let’s Pray:
Father, loving my enemies feels impossible, but I know nothing is impossible with You. I confess the hurt, anger, and resentment I feel toward those who have wronged me. Help me to release these emotions and replace them with love and forgiveness. Empower me through Your Holy Spirit to bless and pray for them, even when it’s hard. I ask for Your blessings over the people who have hurt me, trusting that You are working in their lives as much as You are in mine. Help me to see them as You do—with compassion and mercy. Heal the broken places in my heart, and use what was meant for harm to bring about good. Thank You for loving me, even when I fall short.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/fizkes
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Originally published Monday, 24 March 2025.