Lord Jesus, your Word is Truth, sharper than a two-edged sword. Love my enemy and pray for my persecutor. The words poke at my tender spot, and I struggle to figure out how to follow them. Loving means wanting the best for someone; and praying means bringing my petition before you. The very best thing for any soul is to know you. Lord, replace the hearts of stone with hearts of flesh that repent, seek forgiveness and turn to love you, their Lord and Savior. I ask in your power and authority, according to the good and perfect will of the Father. Amen.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, ‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.’” (Matthew 5: 43-45 ESV)