Yesterday I was reminded of God’s Word, when Judge Kavanaugh told that his 10-year-old daughter said that we must pray for the woman who was testifying against her father. What wisdom from the mouth of babes!

Jesus said: “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?” (Matt. 5:43-47) 

How often do we pray for our enemies instead of talking with others about their behavior? Instead of talking about them and trying to stir up strife (Is. 54:15), we are to pray for them. “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For, ‘Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.’” (1 Peter 3:8-12)

It is human nature to respond with an insult when we receive one. But we are God’s masterpiece and disciples of Christ; instead are to humble ourselves and walk as Christ did. Jesus showed us how to do that as he hung on the cross. “Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’” (Luke 23:34a) In order to walk as He did, we must meditate on His Word in our hearts. I’m sharing several verses that help me during trying times with others. May you be blessed!

“See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.” (1 Thess. 5:15)

“Do not say, ‘I will repay evil’; wait for the Lord, and He will deliver you.” (Prov. 20:22)

“Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.” (Rom. 12:17)

“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ To the contrary, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Rom. 12:19-21)