In Matthew 5, we are told "“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Matthew 5:43-48)
Now in this passage, I want to zero in on the part on prayer (conveniently bolded).
We are to pray for those who persecute us. Pray for.
Jesus did not command us to pray against our enemies.
We are not ordered to pray for their destruction or downfall, but to pray for them.
What kinds of prayers do you like people to pray for you?
-Prayers to draw closer to God? good.
-Prayers to reject pride and act with humility? good.
-Prayers to follow God's will and be receptive to His teaching and guidance? good.
Pray those for them.
New International Version (NIV)
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