How I Have Learned To Love My Enemies

“Let every word you speak be drenched with grace and tempered with truth and clarity. For then you will be prepared to give a respectful answer to anyone who asks about your faith”
Colossians 4:6

I’m not exactly sure what God is speaking to me right now. There definitely is a theme to the message, though. 

• Sunday morning, Matt preached about Love 401. 
• My devotions this week have been about Cori Ten Boon and Rosa Parks. 
• Today’s scripture is quoted above. 

So, what is this theme: Love your enemies.

I’ve searched and do not find any current relationships that hold this struggle. The only confusion I can come to is that there must be something in my path that I will need this for. 

I’ve been walking with Jesus throughout my adult life. There are no words to describe the comfort that a relationship with Jesus brings in times of struggle or the sense of community in times of celebration. Through it all, God is good. 

I remember when I first came across the concept of praying for those who hurt me. I had a laundry list of reasons my feelings and behavior were justifiable. I struggled with low self-worth, repressed trauma, and self-sabotage. I was also miserable. I was absolutely sick and tired of being sick and tired. I didn’t even know HOW to start praying for people I had deep-seated animosity toward. 

These are the steps I took:

• Pray for the willingness to pray for that person
• Pray for God to help me see that person through His eyes
• Pray for blessings for that person

I must start with asking God to make me willing to pray for people who have hurt me. I begin by laying my wounds at His feet. He knows my pain and honors that wound. Once I have let God have complete possession of my pain, I can see past it. This doesn’t happen all at one time. It’s a process that may take several days, weeks, or months. 

Everyone is walking around with baggage they don’t share. Once I am willing to pray for the person, I start asking God to help me see them through His eyes. To change the lens of my glasses to “Son” shades. Praying to see others through God’s eyes helps me develop empathy and compassion, regardless of the situation. 

Now I can set my flesh aside and ask God to bless that person with all He has for them. 

I want to tell you this is a simple process, but it is NOT easy or quick. It does not guarantee that anything will change in the person I see as my enemy. It also does not require that you reconcile an unhealthy or abusive relationship. 

This process heals ME. It empties the poison of pain and resentment from my soul. It allows me to grow closer to Jesus and show His love to those around me.