Doing What’s Right When Treated Wrong
Bible Verse
44 But I tell you to love your enemies and pray for anyone who mistreats you. Matthew 5:44
Bible Verse: “But I tell you to love your enemies and pray for anyone who mistreats you.” Matthew 5:44
If you think throughout your life, you can identify instances when you had to choose to do the right thing even when you were treated wrong. You may even be dealing with that kind of situation right now. In the book of Matthew, Jesus gives instructions on two different occasions on how to deal with our enemies (Matthew 5:43-48) and love others (Matthew 22:36-40).
These passages of Scripture give us some guidance in dealing with our relationships with other people and tools to teach our children how to do the same.
Explain why. Children better understand and accept a belief if they know why they should believe it. We don't have to make up anything fancy. We simply need to stick to the truth of God's Word. We should love and pray for our enemies because Christ has commanded us to do it. Because we love and serve God, we want to obey all he asks. It's important to acknowledge that this may not be an easy commandment to follow, but with God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26 NIV).
Acknowledge the wrong. Make sure your children know that praying for their enemies or those who mistreat them does not mean the negative treatment against them is okay. Help them understand that it is not their responsibility to get even. God will take care of their situation (Romans 12:19).
Teach them how to pray. Praying for someone who mistreats you does not come easily, so we must teach our children how to do it. The steps below will help you get started.
- A Clean Heart. Children may need to ask for forgiveness for themselves before they pray for someone else. Like David prayed in Psalms 51:10, we may need to ask God to give us pure thoughts and feelings.
- A Request for Help. Without the Holy Spirit, we cannot forgive, love, and pray for our enemies. As we pray, we seek the Holy Spirit's help to see everyone as a child of God.
- A Relationship with God. Pray that your enemies would either come to know or be reminded of the love and forgiveness of God.
- A Community of Support. Hurt people often hurt other people. Pray that a supportive community and family will surround them.
Sample Prayer
Dear God, please forgive me for the negative thoughts and feelings that I have toward_______(insert name). Please help me to love and show kindness to __________ (insert name) the way Jesus loves. I pray that they will feel your love and know your forgiveness. If they are hurting, please send people to love and support them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Helping children learn to love those who mistreat them can be challenging. It’s especially true if we need help in this area ourselves. However, it's a perfect opportunity for God to work in your family. What a powerful testimony to God’s heart-changing power!
Want to Dig Deeper? Check out this Family Fire Family Resource: Crossing Barriers and Learning to Love My Neighbor.
Natasha Menifee
Natasha Menifee is an educator, writer and most importantly a child of God. She has taught in public schools for 12 years and holds two master's degrees from Georgetown College in Learning & Behavior Disorders and Teacher Leadership. Natasha also serves as the Christian Education Director at her church. She is the proud mother of two daughters. For more information about her, visit www.natashamenifee.com.
