Mark 11:25 NKJV "And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses."
Let's face it. Some people are beyond difficult. We can try to do good, to turn the other cheek, to respond to hatred and strife with patience and love, yet sometimes it may feel like no matter what we do it will not make a difference. Here's the thing. It makes a difference to God, and that is where we must keep our focus. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, have we not? Yet our Heavenly Father forgives us, and if we are honest with ourselves, it is likely we have something to repent for daily.
God calls US to forgive as well. Calls us, might actually be an understatement. I would say, He demands it. Now, keep in mind, forgiveness does NOT always mean reconciliation. It does not mean that correction isn't warranted. It does not make the people you forgive trustworthy. It simply means that you will not hold their offense against them so that you may pray good things over their lives, and that this act can be done in love. The Lord says we are to pray for our enemies.
Matthew 5:44 NKJV tells us, "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use and persecute you."
okay... how?
The answer is simple. Do good and pray. The bible tells us what it means to be blessed in Matthew 5:3-10
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Do good and pray these blessings over your enemies. If your enemies are blessed with all of these qualities, would that not solve the problem? If you were to sin against someone, would you not want someone to pray these things over you?
Lord,
You have sent us a Savior because we were not able to save ourselves. Forgive us when we become frustrated with one another. When we struggle as a society to get caught up on small things that don't matter in the grand scheme of it all, help us to remember YOUR goal and YOUR purpose for our lives. Help us to forgive one another as you have forgiven us. I pray your blessings over those who persecute, that they may be filled with your spirit and walk in your ways. I pray you forgive them, and forgive us. Bless our lives with your wisdom. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
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