Jesus tells us a lot of things that we like to hear. Things about forgiveness. Things about mercy. Things about grace and compassion and joy. Things we like.

But, Jesus also says some things that are tough to hear. Some things that are challenging. Some things that we don’t understand and really, may not even like.

Like what we read today.

Listen to what Jesus says to us in Luke 6:27-30:

“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back.

Man. We we look at that, I don’t like that. I don’t want to have to forgive my enemies. I don’t want to have to have to do those things.

They’ve wronged me. They’ve hurt me. They are my “enemy” for a reason.

Why? Why do I have to do that? Why does Jesus tell us to do that?

First, prayer can change them. Really. I can. Prayer can change you enemies. It can. It can change their hearts. Soften them. Make them a new person, a different person. Prayer can really change your enemies make them a different person.

Pray for them. It will change things.

But, even if it doesn’t change them, it can change us. They may stay the same. They may not be different.

But, prayer will change us. It will change our heart. Our patience. Our ability to deal with them.

Prayer will change things.

It will change who they are. And, if now, it will change who we are.

The best thing you can do for you enemies is pray for them. The best thing you can do for you is to pray for them.

I know it doesn’t make sense. But it’s true. Today, may we pray for everyone. And pray for those that are our enemies.

And God will do great things.

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