Bless Those Who Curse You

Scripture: "I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.” ( Luke 6:27-28 ).

What is the worst thing that has ever happened to you? How difficult is it to love someone who has offended or hurt you? A few years ago, our family was very hurt when some really good friends (or so we had thought) tried to sabotage our adoption of a baby. They lied to the adoption agency and even told them we were bad parents to our own daughter. We were so angry and felt so betrayed!

The Best Role Model

Do you know Who else has been betrayed by a close friend? Jesus. It was predicted in the Old Testament: "Even my best friend, the one I trusted completely, the one who shared My food, has turned against Me" (Psalm 41:9). Our family’s choice to respond in prayer instead of anger was difficult; but we have the best Role Model. And Jesus, even on the cross, prayed, “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34). We know we need to forgive and pray for those who hurt us, as Jesus did, no matter what has been done against us. We turn to God in prayer, as the Bible instructs us, “Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you” (Psalm 55:22).

Promise from God

The Bible also tells us that “A false witness will not go unpunished, nor will a liar escape” (Proverbs 19:5). But rather than praying that our former friends will be punished, we pray that they will turn from sinning and won’t cause pain to anyone else. God has even given us strength to pray that the godly things they do will prosper. And we know we can rely on His promises in our own lives: “Those who know Your Name trust in You, for You, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for You” (Psalm 9:10).