Learning to Bless Those Who Mistreat Us
When someone has been unkind, even the thought of praying for them can feel difficult. Jesus knows the world we live in, and He gives His followers a way to respond that begins with the mercy of our Father.
bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
(Luke 6:28, NIV, excerpt)
In Luke 6, Jesus instructed His hearers to love enemies, do good, bless, and pray. He pointed to the Father’s kindness toward the ungrateful and wicked, then called His disciples to be merciful as their Father is merciful. His teaching reaches beyond the easy kindness we return to people who already love us.
Begin with an honest prayer
You can tell God exactly where this feels hard. Then ask Him to bring the person toward truth, repentance, and what is good. Pray for your own heart to remain open to His direction.
Seeking their good can sit alongside truthful accountability and responsible boundaries. If you are being harmed, reach for trustworthy support and safety. You can pray while taking the steps that protect you and others.
In everyday conflict, consider how you speak about the person afterward. Choose truthful words, resist the desire to humiliate them, and ask God to guide your response.
The Father’s mercy is our pattern. We can depend on His help as we learn a love that is both courageous and good.
A prayer
Merciful Father, You know where we have been hurt. Guide us in truth and wisdom, bring others toward repentance and good, and help us respond with the love Jesus teaches. Amen.
Keep reading: The King Who Forgave an Impossible Debt · When You Don't Know What to Pray.
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We can ask God to bring good where our hearts have been hurt.
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