Even at my age, I am often surprised when I am confronted with or witness evil. I am so startled by the sheer audacity of the evildoer that it usually takes me a minute to react at all. We have all said and done things out of anger, and I admit that I am no different. However, as I grow on my journey with Jesus, His words come to mind more and more in such situations, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5: 43-48).
We can’t stop evil from happening to and around us. But, we can love instead of hate. We can pray instead of complain. I firmly believe that prayer changes things and it changes people. When we take our cares and concerns to God, we are putting them in the hands of the only one who can change hearts and minds. Our walk with God, the way we live our lives may be the testimony that starts someone else’s change of heart…their need to know about this man called Jesus.
Dear Heavenly Father,
You are good. Please help us forgive others as You forgave us and to pray for those who hurt us and who do evil things against us. Help us to live in such a way that draws others to You. We love You. We trust You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
I Will Cling 