Pray For Those You Dislike
Live in harmony with each other. Don’t try to act important, but enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! -- Romans 12:16
Everyone knows someone that you’d really rather not be around. It could be a co-worker. It might be a neighbor. It could even be someone you see at church or on the golf course.
Maybe you don’t actually hate this person. Hate is such a strong word and we know that’s something we really need to avoid. But you don’t really like the person either. Maybe there’s nothing specific you can point to, just a feeling.
Or maybe this person has really done you wrong. Maybe he/she took credit for your idea at work. Maybe he/she borrowed something and never returned it. Maybe he/she has lied to you numerous times. There are good, valid reasons why you’d rather not be around that person.
But we’re supposed to live in harmony with each other. And I don’t think we’re necessarily supposed to do that by avoiding people. Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not talking about people who are abusive. Those folks need to be in jail. I’m referring to your average person that we encounter in our lives.
What would happen if you actually prayed for the people you don’t like? You’d be amazed at how you start seeing their good qualities when you do. Prayer changes people, especially the person who prays.
You could also pray for those who have done you wrong. Pray that they see the error of their ways, that God shows them His love, and that YOU love them with agape love no matter what. You didn’t expect that last part, did you? When someone does us wrong we must forgive and let go or it will destroy us. The Bible clearly tells us to do good to our enemies.
One of the most difficult things to do is to pray for someone we don’t like. Sincerely pray, I might add. But doing so over time changes us. We start praying out of duty or because we “should.” Then somehow it becomes something we really mean. We want God to speak to that person’s heart. And we want God to speak to our heart as well.
God can heal relationships in ways we never think is possible. He can show us good where we never thought it might exist. God can change our hearts even as we pray that He touch the hearts of those we’re praying for.
So next time you’re tempted to avoid someone, trying praying instead. You’ll be amazed at the change prayer can bring in both
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