Definition: The Bible defines “enemies” in various contexts, ranging from personal adversaries to spiritual opposition. The term can refer to those who oppose or harm others, either physically, emotionally, or spiritually. However, the Bible often instructs believers on how to deal with enemies, focusing on love, forgiveness, and overcoming evil with good. Here are some key scriptures from the about enemies, along with prayer points that align with the teachings found in these verses:
1.Loving and Forgiving Enemies
- Scripture:
- Matthew 5:44: “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”
- Luke 6:27-28: “But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.”
- Prayer Point:
- Pray for the grace to love and forgive your enemies, asking God to help you respond with kindness and prayer rather than anger or revenge.
- Prayer: “Lord, help me to love those who oppose me and to pray for those who seek to harm me. Grant me the strength to respond with grace and kindness, just as Christ has taught.”
2. Protection from Enemies
- Scripture:
- Psalm 27:1-2: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.”
- Psalm 91:5-7: “Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.”
- Prayer Point:
- Pray for God’s protection against all forms of attacks from your enemies, trusting Him to be your shield and defender.
- Prayer: “Father, I ask for Your divine protection against every plan of the enemy. Surround me with Your presence and let no harm come near me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
3. Overcoming Enemies
- Scripture:
- Romans 12:20-21: “Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
- Psalm 23:5: “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.”
- Prayer Point:
- Pray for the ability to overcome evil with good and that God will bless you even in the presence of your enemies.
- Prayer: “Lord, empower me to overcome every attack from my enemies with goodness and kindness. Let Your blessings overflow in my life even in the presence of those who oppose me.”
4. God’s Justice Against Enemies
- Scripture:
- Deuteronomy 28:7: “The Lord shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways.”
- Isaiah 54:17: “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.”
- Prayer Point:
- Pray for God’s justice to prevail against those who unjustly rise against you, trusting that God will fight on your behalf.
- Prayer: “Mighty God, let Your justice prevail against all those who rise against me. Fight my battles and bring victory over every adversary, in Jesus’ name.”
5. Deliverance from Enemies
- Scripture:
- Psalm 34:17: “The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.”
- Psalm 18:3: “I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.”
- Prayer Point:
- Pray for deliverance from any situation where enemies have gained an advantage, trusting God to rescue you.
- Prayer: “Lord, deliver me from every trouble and save me from those who seek to harm me. Be my refuge and strength, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”
The Bible calls believers to a higher standard when dealing with enemies. Instead of seeking revenge, Christians are called to love, forgive, and trust in God’s protection and justice. Through prayer, believers can find peace and strength in God’s promises as they navigate conflicts and opposition.
Why Pray for Enemies?
Praying for enemies is a powerful spiritual practice rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. The act of praying for those who oppose, hurt, or persecute you reflects a profound understanding of Christian love, mercy, and faith in God’s justice. Here are key reasons why the Bible encourages believers to pray for their enemies:
1.Obedience to Jesus’ Command
- Scripture: Matthew 5:44: “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”
- Reason: Jesus explicitly commands His followers to pray for their enemies as part of living out the radical love He modeled. By doing so, believers demonstrate their commitment to following Christ’s teachings and showing love, even when it is difficult.
2. Imitating God’s Mercy
- Scripture: Luke 6:35-36: “But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.”
- Reason: Praying for enemies is a reflection of God’s mercy, who shows kindness to both the righteous and the unrighteous. By praying for enemies, believers imitate God’s mercy, grace, and kindness, extending love even to those who may not deserve it.
3. Transforming Your Heart
- Scripture: Proverbs 24:17: “Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth.”
- Reason: Praying for enemies transforms your heart and prevents bitterness, hatred, or revenge from taking root. Instead of rejoicing over your enemy’s downfall, prayer allows you to develop compassion and empathy, leading to inner peace and spiritual growth.
4. Breaking the Cycle of Hatred
- Scripture: Romans 12:20-21: “Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
- Reason: Praying for enemies helps break the cycle of hatred and retaliation. Instead of perpetuating hostility, prayer creates an opportunity for healing and reconciliation, overcoming evil with good.
5. Releasing Control to God
- Scripture: Romans 12:19: “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
- Reason: Praying for enemies is an act of surrendering your desire for revenge or justice to God. It shows trust in God’s ultimate authority and His ability to bring about justice in His time and way. It frees you from the burden of carrying anger and allows you to focus on God’s peace and purpose.
6. Potential for Their Repentance and Salvation
- Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:1-4: “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;…For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”
- Reason: Praying for enemies can lead to their repentance and salvation. God desires that all people come to know Him, and your prayers could be instrumental in softening the hearts of those who oppose you. By praying for their transformation, you participate in God’s redemptive plan for humanity.
7. Gaining Spiritual Maturity
- Scripture: Matthew 5:45: “That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”
- Reason: Praying for your enemies demonstrates spiritual maturity. It reflects a deep understanding of God’s character and the principles of the Kingdom of God. As you pray for those who wrong you, you grow in patience, humility, and love, qualities that define a mature Christian.
8. Peace and Healing for Yourself
- Scripture: Philippians 4:6-7: “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
- Reason: Praying for enemies brings peace to your own heart. Holding onto anger, hurt, and unforgiveness can cause internal turmoil. But when you release those emotions to God through prayer, you experience His peace and healing.
Conclusion:
Praying for enemies is not easy, but it is a transformative and essential aspect of the Christian faith. It aligns you with God’s will, helps you overcome evil with good, and brings both personal peace and the potential for change in the lives of those who oppose you. By praying for your enemies, you open yourself to God’s healing power and demonstrate the love of Christ in a world that often responds to conflict with hostility.