by Rita Klundt

I fell asleep last night struggling with the commandment to love my enemies. And I woke up this morning feeling I could end this struggle, or at least make it through the day if I could find an answer in my Bible. I know I must, but how can I love this particular enemy?

(Now, before anyone assumes they know who my “enemy” is, consider that I might have more than one. Please don’t make assumptions, and don’t share them if you do. My struggle is difficult enough.)

Instead of picking up my reading at the bookmark in the Gospel of John, I went to Matthew 5:38-48. That, of course, is where Jesus talks about loving our enemies. I’d memorized some of those verses as a child. They were easy for me to find.

When I got to the part about “praying for those who persecute you” I stopped and uttered a prayer for my enemy. I said the words, “Bless…,” but I wasn’t “feeling” it. God heard me confess that my heart wasn’t behind any of what I was asking. I really want justice, and I want it now. I’ve been wronged, and I want things made right. I kept reading into Chapter 6—daring God to give me something I could pray with integrity, if not anticipation and enthusiasm. The next twelve verses prepared me to discover God’s answer.

“And do not lead us into temptation. But deliver us from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:13a NKJV)

YES! Not me or them, but us. I read that verse with the emphasis on the word us. Upper case US! Something I can pray for both me and my enemy! And think about it….God really wants to deliver us from evil. Not just me, but my enemy. Win. Win. And if God should lead my enemy to pray for me? Win. Miraculous win.

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for knowing my heart and hearing the prayers of your hurting and struggling child. Lord, God of all things great and small, lead us away from temptation and deliver us from the schemes of the evil one. Make your kingdom, your power, and your glory the highest priority in my heart and life. Help me to love my enemy. Amen. ps…I really mean it.