But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, (Matthew 5:44)
Heavenly Father,
While being persecuted on the cross, Christ prayed for the forgiveness of those who sought his life. Thank you for modeling grace, forgiveness, mercy, and patient love.
It hurts when I am falsely accused, persecuted, talked about, mistreated, or mocked. During times when I have been hurt, I have struggled to love as you love. Please forgive me if I have allowed bitterness to grow or sought to repay hurts or vindicate myself instead of allowing you to vindicate me. Please touch my heart and change me into a servant willing and excited to love like you. Please teach me how to love and pray for those who seek to harm me.
May my first instinct in times of persecution be to pray and love.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
