What does it mean to pray for my enemies?

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Praying for our enemies means we should pray for their wellbeing and show love to them even if they are not nice to us.

When someone is mean to us, it can make us upset. Our feelings can get hurt. Our first thought is to “get even” with the person. God does not want you to be upset and He does not want you to “get even” either. God wants you to pray for your enemies. This means when someone is mean to you, pray to God. Ask Him to help the bully. By praying for them, it will help you feel a lot better too!

You can pray for your enemies in many ways:

• You can pray for God to help them see how they hurt you. Hopefully, the bully will apologize and make things right. Even if they do not, you must still forgive them. God wants us to love all people, even our enemies (Matthew 5:43-45).
• Pray for your enemies to learn of God’s love for them. Oftentimes when people hurt others, they are in emotional pain themselves. Pray for them to understand God’s love.
• Pray for God to draw them to salvation.

It can be difficult to pray for someone who is mean to you. God will help you if you ask Him for His help. When you pray for your enemies, ask God to help you forgive them. You can also ask God how you can be a friend to them. When you pray for your enemies and love them, it makes God very happy.

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"But here is what I tell you who are listening. Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you" (Luke 6:27).

"Do just the opposite. Scripture says, 'If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. By doing those things, you will pile up burning coals on their heads'" (Romans 12:20).

"Put up with one another. Forgive one another if you are holding something against someone. Forgive, just as the Lord forgave you" (Colossians 3:13).