Blessing Those Who Hurt Us
10/21/2024
“Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
— Luke 6:28 (NIV)
One of the hardest commands Jesus gives us is found in Luke 6:28. It goes against our natural instincts to bless those who hurt us and pray for those who mistreat us. Our human nature tends to lean toward retaliation or resentment when wronged. Yet, Jesus calls us to something higher — a response rooted in grace and mercy.
What does it mean to bless those who curse us?
To “bless” in this context means to speak well of and wish good upon someone, even when they don’t deserve it. Jesus is urging us to mirror God’s heart, who extends kindness even to those who reject Him. Consider how countercultural this idea is! When someone speaks ill of us, it’s easy to harbor negative thoughts or even speak badly of them in return. But Christ calls us to rise above this reaction.
Think of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. As he was being stoned to death, his last words were a prayer for those who were killing him: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:60). Stephen didn’t harbor bitterness; he followed Jesus’ example on the cross when He prayed for His executioners. What a powerful testament of God’s love!
Why should we pray for those who mistreat us?
Praying for those who mistreat us shifts our focus from our hurt to their needs. It helps us to see them not as enemies, but as individuals who are themselves broken, sinful, and in need of grace. When we pray for them, we invite God to work in their lives and soften their hearts. More importantly, prayer changes us. It helps release the grip of unforgiveness and bitterness in our hearts.
Have you ever been deeply wronged by a close friend. Rather than seeking revenge or holding onto the pain, commit to pray for them every day. Over time, your resentment will fade, and God will work in both of your lives to bring about healing and reconciliation. While this doesn’t always happen, the act of praying allows us to walk in the peace of Christ, even if relationships are never restored.
Here is what that looks like.
Pray for your enemies today:
Take a few minutes to pray for someone who has wronged you or someone you have struggled to forgive. Ask God to bless them, to heal their hurts, and to draw them closer to Him.
Speak kindly:
When tempted to speak ill of someone who has cursed or mistreated you, choose to say nothing or to speak words of grace. This is an act of obedience that honors God.
Release bitterness:
Holding onto resentment hurts you more than the other person. Trust God to deal with the injustices done to you. Release them to His care and walk in freedom.
So, here is a challenge for you today: Identify one person who has wronged you in the past and commit to praying for them throughout this week. See how God works in your heart as you do.
Lord, I confess that it’s hard to bless those who hurt me. My natural response is to hold onto bitterness and to wish them harm. But You call me to a higher standard. Help me to pray for those who mistreat me. Give me the grace to bless them, even when I feel they don’t deserve it. Change my heart, Lord, and let me walk in Your peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
“Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
— Luke 6:28 (NIV)
One of the hardest commands Jesus gives us is found in Luke 6:28. It goes against our natural instincts to bless those who hurt us and pray for those who mistreat us. Our human nature tends to lean toward retaliation or resentment when wronged. Yet, Jesus calls us to something higher — a response rooted in grace and mercy.
What does it mean to bless those who curse us?
To “bless” in this context means to speak well of and wish good upon someone, even when they don’t deserve it. Jesus is urging us to mirror God’s heart, who extends kindness even to those who reject Him. Consider how countercultural this idea is! When someone speaks ill of us, it’s easy to harbor negative thoughts or even speak badly of them in return. But Christ calls us to rise above this reaction.
Think of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. As he was being stoned to death, his last words were a prayer for those who were killing him: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:60). Stephen didn’t harbor bitterness; he followed Jesus’ example on the cross when He prayed for His executioners. What a powerful testament of God’s love!
Why should we pray for those who mistreat us?
Praying for those who mistreat us shifts our focus from our hurt to their needs. It helps us to see them not as enemies, but as individuals who are themselves broken, sinful, and in need of grace. When we pray for them, we invite God to work in their lives and soften their hearts. More importantly, prayer changes us. It helps release the grip of unforgiveness and bitterness in our hearts.
Have you ever been deeply wronged by a close friend. Rather than seeking revenge or holding onto the pain, commit to pray for them every day. Over time, your resentment will fade, and God will work in both of your lives to bring about healing and reconciliation. While this doesn’t always happen, the act of praying allows us to walk in the peace of Christ, even if relationships are never restored.
Here is what that looks like.
Pray for your enemies today:
Take a few minutes to pray for someone who has wronged you or someone you have struggled to forgive. Ask God to bless them, to heal their hurts, and to draw them closer to Him.
Speak kindly:
When tempted to speak ill of someone who has cursed or mistreated you, choose to say nothing or to speak words of grace. This is an act of obedience that honors God.
Release bitterness:
Holding onto resentment hurts you more than the other person. Trust God to deal with the injustices done to you. Release them to His care and walk in freedom.
So, here is a challenge for you today: Identify one person who has wronged you in the past and commit to praying for them throughout this week. See how God works in your heart as you do.
Lord, I confess that it’s hard to bless those who hurt me. My natural response is to hold onto bitterness and to wish them harm. But You call me to a higher standard. Help me to pray for those who mistreat me. Give me the grace to bless them, even when I feel they don’t deserve it. Change my heart, Lord, and let me walk in Your peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
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