JUNE 26, 2012
Cornered
Read: Luke 6:27-36
Pray for
those who spitefully use you. —Luke 6:28
One Sunday morning, D.
L. Moody entered a house in Chicago to escort
some children to Sunday school.
During his visit, three men backed him
into a corner and threatened him. “Look
here,” Moody said. “Give a fellow
a chance to say his prayers, won’t you?” The
men actually allowed him to
call out to God, and Moody prayed for them so
earnestly that they left the
room.
Had I been in Moody’s
situation, I might have called for help or looked
for the back door. I’m not
sure I would have acted on Jesus’ command
to His followers: “Pray for those who
mistreat you” (Luke 6:28 NIV).
Praying for the people
who treat us with contempt is one way to “do
good to those who hate [us]”
(v.27). Jesus explained that Christians get
no credit for swapping acts of
kindness with other “nice” people. He said,
“Even sinners do the same” (v.33).
However, blessing our persecutors
(Rom. 12:14) sets us apart from them and
aligns us with the Most High,
because God is kind even to wicked people (Luke
6:35).
Today, if you feel
“cornered” by someone, seek safety if the situation calls
for it, and follow
Jesus’ teaching: Pray for that person (Luke 23:34). Prayer
is your best
defense.
We want to know Your
heart, Lord, and have Your
wisdom to know how to
handle opposition.
Give us patience to
show kindness.
Guide us, we pray.
Returning good for good is human; returning
good for evil is divine.
Source:
Our Daily Bread 2012
