Matthew 5:44 "But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you...."
Really, God? My enemies? Can't I just pray for my friends?
The healing begins precisely in the discomfort of trying to implement this verse. Our obedience is a sign to God that we are finally ready to grow. We agree that we are willing to leave our own (unsuccessful) methods behind and relinquish all our past hurts and resentments into God's capable hands.
When we pray for those who hurt us, we experience what I call a "boomerang blessing" -- it touches our target and then returns to us, hitting the exact place where we are most broken. It becomes easier to breathe. Our wounds begin to heal cleanly. We are able to see our enemies with greater compassion. Our hard hearts soften. Regardless of the situation or the relationship, we are changed.
And that was what God was after all along.
(This reflection was written by Kristin Armstrong and appears in the daily devotional, LIVING FAITH, for Saturday, February 23, 2013. You can find out more about the publication by going to www.livingfaith.com)
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