You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:43-45

 

Loving others is an admirable goal, but we’ve each experienced how hard it can be in practice.

 

Some people seem almost impossible to love. Yasmin is a young single mother, struggling to make ends meet. One day, her neighbor asked to borrow a large sum of money. Yasmine helped her neighbor out, but the money was never repaid. Every time she struggled to pay her bills, Yasmine felt angrier.

 

One day, Yasmin felt God tell her to start praying for her neighbor. She didn’t want to, but she reluctantly obeyed. It was tough praying for God to bless this neighbor! Through gritted teeth, she forced herself to pray for every blessing she could think of.

 

For two years, Yasmin prayed regularly for this neighbor. Then one day as she prayed, she realized she no longer hated her neighbor! She wanted to pray for her–Yasmin felt God’s love for this woman fill her heart!

 

Coming to God in prayer isn’t just inviting God to move in our circumstances. It’s also asking Him to change our hearts as we pray. Over time, our hearts begin to align with His–wanting what He wants and loving with His love!

 

Nothing will transform your heart toward others like prayer. If you struggle to love or get along with someone, start praying for them! Jesus said, “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:43-45). As you pray, you’ll see how faithful He is to help your heart follow in His way of love.