PRAY FOR THOSE WHO DESPISE YOU

Read: Genesis 37:12-36, 50:15-21

Meditation verse:

“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you” (Mathew 5:44).

We live in a world full of broken and hurting people who sometimes take out their frustrations on others. How do you react when people are unjust and discourteous towards you? Do you know that a major reason why people are mean to others without cause is that they are unhappy or dissatisfied with their lives? They despise you when they believe you have been greatly blessed in areas they haven’t. In their discontentment, envy and bitterness, they lash out at you. Why then would you choose to retaliate? You ought to pray for them.

The sad reality is that it may even be those of your household, as we see in today’s reading. Joseph the dreamer was blessed with an ability to interpret dreams, but he was a very naive lad. In his naivety, he expected his brothers to rejoice with him when he revealed his ‘dream of greatness’ to them. But they were already displeased by their father’s undue favoritism and show of affection towards him, so they were unimpressed. In their envy and bitterness, they plotted to kill him but eventually sold him as a slave to a bunch of rich merchants journeying to Egypt. The brothers’ action was intended to end Joseph’s dream of greatness. Through his brother’s wicked deed, Potiphar’s wife’s accusation, and the butler’s neglect in prison, he refused to succumb to bitterness or hate. When eventually faced with an opportunity to retaliate, he chose the path of forgiveness.

Praying for those who spitefully use you enables you to forgive and act in love towards them even when you don’t feel love for them. When you hate those who despise you and repay their evil with evil, you are descending to their level and may miss out on the blessings that often come with God’s commands.

“Without forgiveness, life is governed by…. an endless cycle of resentment and retaliation” (Roberto Assagioli). This, however, is not intended to make you a doormat for others to step on. Ask God for wisdom in every scenario and let the Holy Spirit guide your actions.

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Oke Chinye

Have you asked Jesus Christ to come into your heart?

He says in Mathew 11:28, “come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” He longs to give you rest.

Would you like to do so now? Here’s a prayer you can say:

Dear Jesus, I believe that You died to save me from all my sins. Today, I invite you into my heart and I accept you as my Lord and Saviour. Please forgive all my sins and help me to live my life for You.

If you prayed this prayer, send me an email at rockteachingministry@gmail.com. I would love to pray with you personally and send you a copy of my book; ‘Living the Life’ to encourage you as you begin your new life in Christ.

I look forward to hearing from you.

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Oke Chinye.
Have you asked Jesus Christ to come into your heart?

He says in Mathew 11:28, “come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” He longs to give you rest."

Would you like to do so now? Here’s a prayer you can say:
Dear Jesus, I believe that You died to save me from all my sins. Today, I invite you into my heart and I accept you as my Lord and Saviour. Please forgive all my sins and help me to live my life for You.

If you prayed this prayer, send me an email at rockteachingministry@gmail.com

I would love to pray with you personally and send you a copy of my book; ‘Living the Life’ to encourage you as you begin your new life in Christ.