Praying for Our Enemies

Praying for Our Enemies

September 6, 2025

Bible Readings

Take a few minutes to read the Bible verses listed and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in how this verse applies to you this week.

Matthew 5:43-48, Matthew 22:36-40

Memory Verse

Matthew 5:44

44 But I tell you to love your enemies and pray for anyone who mistreats you.

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Have you ever been kind to someone but didn't get that kindness back? Maybe it happened at school when someone didn't pick you to be their partner or to be on their team at recess. Maybe a sibling said something that hurt you. Sometimes, even when we are kind, other people are not kind to us. How do you deal with people who mistreat you? 

In Matthew 5, Jesus preaches the Sermon on the Mount. He wants his disciples to understand how to live as followers of him. He wants people to know how to treat one another and show love the way he loves. He even wants us to show love and kindness to those we think of as our enemies because God cares about and provides for everyone.

Later, Jesus shares with his disciples the two greatest commandments. The first is to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. The second is to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Does Jesus only mean the people who live in the houses next to us? No, he means our actual neighbors and anyone we meet—even our enemies. 

As Jesus’ followers, his teachings remind us that no matter how others behave, we are to behave differently. Like Christ, we should love and even pray for people who may not do the same for us. Don’t get me wrong. When someone hurts you, that’s not okay! Showing love might not be easy sometimes, but we choose to do things God’s way with his help. What opportunities do you have to love your neighbor? 

Prayer

Dear Jesus, please help me love others how you love. When mistreated, show me how to forgive and pray for others. Help me to be an example of your love. Amen.
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