Why does Jesus say "Pray for those who despitefully use you?"

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(c) Deborah Evans


In Matthew 5:44-48, Jesus tells his followers to "Pray for those who despitefully use you." Why would anyone does this? What possible benefit could come to the person who prays for someone who despitefully (with malice, cruelty, and harmful intent) used them?

When Jesus tells us to do something, there is a benefit in following his directions. Sometimes insight comes after obeying in faith.

Beyond this, consider what Jesus did not say. He did not say "try to win them over." Nor did he say "prove they're wrong and you're right"; nor did he say "get even", nor did he say "live in fear of them", nor did he say "endure constant mistreatment and abuse."

He tells disciples to pray for despiteful users because there are some benefits coming to us when we follow Jesus' instructions on this.

1. You free yourself from the negative energy someone tried to leave at your doorstep, in your heart and mind, or in your life experience.  

2. Your prayer demonstrates you trust God to control the elements of your life that are beyond your personal ability to control. In essence, you turn the user and the effects of what they've done over to God. Your prayer demonstrates you recognize God as sovereign and all-powerful. He is the one who will heal any injury.

3. When you release something or someone, you are free to move into God's will for your life. Jesus came so that we can have the abundant life. You can never have the abundant life if you're constantly caught up in and reacting to offenses. Show common sense, plan ahead, and release the harm by praying as Jesus taught. No harmful, hateful person deserves space in your brain. When we obey Jesus, we're saying to him: "I trust you to make things work out as they should. Your will for me is only good, so I don't hesitate to obey you."

Remember, you are saved to do the will and work of God. When you are harmed, commit that injury to God by doing as Jesus said we are to do. Learn from mistakes and don't repeat them. Pray for the one who used you, release the pain, and move toward getting back on track.

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