Pray For My Enemies?

As I prayed about this Encouraging Post, the Lord brought the month of February’s focus of love to me.  He reminded me of an area of love that is somewhat difficult to discuss.

We are born into relationships.  Some we do not have a choice.  Some we choose.  I was blessed to be born into relationships that became my first friends – my three cousins.  I would say my best friends.  Then came my brother.  Though eight years apart, we knew a wonderful friendship growing up. I am grateful that all of these relationships are still strong.  We continue to be there for each other, and I definitely call each of them my cherished friends with the bonus of our families, too. 

Throughout life, we have the opportunity to pick friends.  I believe God even orchestrates special relationships that stay true and thrive for a lifetime. 

When a person has been a part of my life, I consider them a friend.  Take school as an example.  I had the privilege to attend school with some friends from Kindergarten through High School Graduation.  What an honor.  They are special to me.  Those that joined through the years or left for various reasons – I still value and consider my friend for we experienced life together along the way.  My closest group of friends will always hold an unforgettable place in my heart, including my cheerleading squad each school year.  We endured, related, overcame, and loved what we did for our teams – for our school – bringing spirit and enthusiasm to each game and our community.  

I have always felt the same way toward those who have been in my church and work worlds – I will forever be grateful for each one.  Many are lifelong friends.  My husband, two sons, and daughter-in-love are my heart. I am thankful for my nieces and friends who are a treasure in my life today.

I have come to understand that some relationships have seasons and do not stand the test of time.  However, there are those that no matter the distance or years apart – when reunited by text, phone, or in-person – where we left off is where we pick up, and I am so thankful.  

My life was beautifully impacted by big personalities and big hearts.  Love and kindness were extended and lived out before me by my Mom and my Dad.  Our home was built on the Lord and His Word.  Though not perfect, as we were …still are … human, I was raised to respect and extend dignity to others.  These were lessons I learned, and examples lived out in front of me.  I chose to apply them to my life.  A desire to share Jesus – hopeful my decisions and ways reflect Him – has been my passion as far back as I can remember and continues today.  

As life does – turns, bends, and crooked places appear.  Having done all one knows to do, it still happens.  Unexpectedly, I realized I had enemies.  I had never considered this to be a real possibility before.  As I said, if someone was, and is in my life – I am their friend, and I receive them to be mine.  A choice I had made was to live life seeing the best in people. Suddenly, there was a clear awareness that this was not reciprocated. Additionally, it was obvious that we weren’t received, we weren’t welcomed, and we just weren’t liked.  

The places these enemies surfaced were supposed to be safe.  A struggle ensued before God.  What was my response to be?  How do I act?  What is the best plan for us?  What would God have us do?  I am transparent with you because I do not want anyone to suffer as long as I did with pain, self-torment, and confusion for something that is out of our control.  When someone chooses to be an enemy, it is on them ...it is their decision.  

This understanding took a long time for me to comprehend.  My very patient and amazing God taught the lesson to me.  I ran to Him and sought Him.  What did I do wrong?   I thought we showed love.  I knew we were not perfect – but no one else is, either.  When trying to bring solutions, interest was completely lacking.  My heart was broken …shattered.   

Ultimately, God worked in our hearts. Our family was and is at peace. What the Lord instructed me to do as a wife, as a mom, as a human was straight from His Word.  

Matthew 5:43-48 NIV

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[a] and hate your enemy.’ 

44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 

46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 

47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 

48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Pray for my enemies?  The instruction was not … is not …to just pray for them.  The direction is to pray for and love my enemy.  This is the teaching from Jesus.  I did not stop loving anyone, but I did not like them for a season.  Prayer.  Intercession.  Praying God’s very best for those who made negative actions, spoke unkindly, delivered betrayals, attempted humiliation, even slandered and lied – was a call, a very command, from The One I have trusted to love me unconditionally, forever and always.  This is something I chose to do because I love my God – and I love my family.  

Though it took time, my precious God and loving family walked me through a treacherous experience.  God repaired, even restored my heart from pieces to whole once again.  To my enemies – I continue to pray for you.  I also have a love for you that can only be the heart of my Heavenly Father.  I forgive without an apology.  I have offered apologies where God has directed.  I choose forgiveness because I want to please God.  I want to be a better wife, Mom, family member, and friend.  I hope to be a better human where I am today.  Even if the “what was” relationships stay in the past or are never the way I hoped …I forgive and want Jesus to be seen in me.  I want to be more like Jesus!

All is well, friend, when we go with God. No, it does not always happen the way we want or look the way we imagine.  Dear Reader, it is so much greater because we have surrendered everything to God and left it in His hands.  His will be done. 

If you need prayer, please see my Prayer Request page to submit a completed prayer request form.  Be assured – I will pray with you!

Should you want to know more about Jesus as your best friend and personal Savior – I invite you to visit my Invitation and Prayer page.  

You are always welcome to contact me at thumanburgin@gmail.com for prayer requests and comments. 

For those that knew the broken me, I am sorry.  Please know how much I appreciate your friendship during that time.  Maybe one day you will know the me that was before.  Better yet, maybe you will know the me after the gentle and loving hand of God reached down and met

me – reviving me for His glory!   I hope and pray that is the case.  A few of you have …and I thank God for those reunions.

It is a heart-wrenching awakening to realize we have enemies.  Unfortunately, we do, and sometimes it is painfully evident.  I am here to share with you that Jesus had enemies, too.  More importantly – He is the best friend you can have, and He is willing to help you through any difficult situation you might encounter.  What a faithful friend Jesus is and will continue to be to you!

 Dear Reader, I am human with you – also with a story – and in need of Jesus.  Stop by HUMAN Living Ministry anytime – I will meet you here.  

Remember, Jesus loves you so!

 

I Corinthians 13:13 NIV

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.