“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matthew 5:44-45 (ESV)
Several years ago I had lunch with a seasoned pastor who had started a church with twelve people and it had grown to become the largest church in Louisiana. At the end of our time together, I asked Pastor Roy Stockstill, “After all your years of ministry experience, what would you say to me as a pastor?” He looked me in the eyes and placed his hand on my shoulder and said, “People are not the enemy!”
That statement resonated with me and encouraged me in my journey as a pastor. Over the years, I have added a phrase to that statement to help me maintain God’s perspective. People are not the enemy, but the enemy uses people. Take a moment and identify the people the enemy has used to discourage you or to distract you in your walk with God.
In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught us as His followers to love and pray for our enemies. We are to reciprocate the love we have received from God and we are to pray for those who persecute us. When you pray for your enemies, you begin to view them from God’s perspective and recognize His love for them. God has a plan for your life and for those who are currently your enemies. Pray for them to come into a vibrant love relationship with Jesus so they can know Him personally and eternally just as you do.
Who do you need to pray for today? Remember, people are not the enemy, but the enemy uses people. Love them. Pray for them.
Drawing Near,
Stephen Trammell
Lead Pastor
Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell