It’s one of Jesus’ most famous and inspirational statements. It’s also one of the most difficult: “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).

Sounds good in theory, but what about in reality? What about the people who have wronged you personally or who have done something against someone you care about?

Miroslav Volf had given a talk about love. Afterward someone asked: “But can you embrace a cetnik?” These were Serbian fighters who had ravished his homeland of Croatia, committing widespread violence and slaughter. Volf said: “No, I cannot—but as a follower of Christ I should be able to.”*

I love his honesty. He acknowledged that it is something he should be able to do. And yet, he also acknowledged that he isn’t quite there yet.

Here’s step number one. Pray for those who persecute you. 

Perhaps you can’t relate to the word “persecute.” If so, use the word “against.” Pray for those who you think are “against” you.

I remember speaking with someone who was really upset about a certain political leader. “You should pray for them,” I said. “No way,” he responded. “Why not?” “I can’t stand him.”

When we refuse to pray for people who we think are somehow against us, isn’t that simply an indication of what is happening in our own heart?

Wouldn’t we want that person to be transformed by the love of God? To experience his grace and truth? To encounter Jesus? 

Who do you think is “against” you? I encourage you to make a list. Perhaps it’s an individual. Or perhaps it is an organization who is advocating something which is contrary to the will of God.

And pray.

As followers of Christ we want to be more and more like him. On the cross he actually prayed for the people who crucified him! “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). Not only did Jesus talk the talk, he walked the walk. He calls us to do the same—even when it’s hard.

For us, step one is prayer. Pray for those who persecute you.

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Notes:

-“Why are we supposed to love our enemies?” Click here. From August 3, 2025. Sermon.
-*Arthur Van Seters, Preaching and Ethics (St. Louis: Chalice, 2004), 22.
-Bible quotes are from the NIV.