Pray for those who spitefully use you and
persecute you. Matthew 5:44
During the war in Kosovo in 1999, three Americans were captured and held hostage for more
than a month. After intense negotiations, a breakthrough occurred and the prisoners were
allowed to go free.
Roy Lloyd was part of the delegation that secured their release. He reported, "Each
of the three young soldiers was very religious. One of them, Christopher Stone, would not
leave until he was allowed to go back to the soldier who served as his guard and pray for
him."
Here was a young man who knew something about the principles of Jesus. He could have
resented his circumstances and hated his captors. He could have developed a bitter,
vengeful spirit. He could have carried a burning rage out of that difficulty. But
following the command of Jesus (Matthew 5:44) and the example of Paul and Silas in
Philippi (Acts 16:25-34), he forgave his captor and ministered to him.
In a world where retaliation is common, believers are called to be different. We are to
pray for our persecutors, forgive them, and minister to them.
Jesus' principles for His followers are challenging, but with the help of the Holy Spirit
who lives in us we can choose to have a forgiving spirit.
-DCE
For Further Study
Why should we forgive? (Matthew 6:14-15).
Whom should we forgive? (Luke 17:3-4).
How can we forgive? (Galatians 5:22-25).
We are never more Christlike than when we choose to forgive.