Denny answers:
Jesus taught us to pray that good things, not bad things, happen to our enemies.
Each one of us is a sinner and deserves God’s punishment. Instead, God sent His own perfect Son to die on the cross, taking the punishment of sin for those who believe in Him.
Jesus taught that we should forgive others, just as God has forgiven us (Matthew 6:12-15; 18:21-35; Mark 11:25). So when people do bad things to us, we should not pray that bad things happen to them but good things.
Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons 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. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?” (Matthew 5:43-47).
When soldiers pounded nails into Jesus’ hands and feet, He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34b).
When people were throwing stones at Stephen because he preached Jesus, Stephen prayed as he was dying, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:60b).
Someday, God will make all wrong things right. He will punish those who do not turn from their sins to Jesus. Leave justice to God, as the first Bible Truth verse says below. Ask that your enemies would turn from their sins and trust Jesus. Pray for good things, not bad things, to happen to your enemies.
Bible Truth
- “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:17-21).
- “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time” (1 Timothy 2:1-6).
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