“Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots.” – Luke 23:34 (NKJV)
In the Gospels, as Jesus taught a disciple’s relationship with other people, one of the things He said is that a disciple must pray for those who despitefully use him and bless those who curse him. In essence, Jesus says that being a disciple means that you must have a heart so forgiving that you pray for those who deserve your harsh words and curses. In the text above, Jesus prayed for those who scourged and nailed Him to the cross. Every other man in that situation would have cursed them and made sure the curse reached many generations to come after them, but Jesus prayed for them to be forgiven, not to be judged.
Intercession is a calling that God has bestowed upon every believer and if you truly want to live as a disciple, you cannot do without praying for others. However, it becomes so impossible to do this if you harbour bitterness and hatred in your heart towards them. Forgiveness is a step you must take seriously if you would obey the command to intercede for others. Many have cursed the same men they should have prayed for and yet wonder why it is difficult for them to be saved.
In Genesis 18, Abraham took his time in God’s presence to pray for Lot, and by extension, Sodom and Gomorrah. You will recall in Genesis 13 that there was feud between Abraham and Lot which caused them to go their separate ways. Lot took the best part of the land even though it was Abraham that brought him to the land. Abraham did not keep this in his heart and let go completely and when the time came for him to pray, there was no offense blocking his efforts in prayers.
Dear disciple of Christ, you must understand that part of your primary assignment is to pray for others but it becomes impossible for you to do so if you have hatred and bitterness in your heart towards them. What God demand from you is to forgive and let go. Men will always offend you and when they do, you mustn’t allow the offense enter so deep into your heart that you are not able to forgive them and then pray for them. Being able to pray for those who offend you, not for God to judge them, but that they receive mercy, is a clear proof of your spiritual maturity.
Action Point: Forgive those who offend you sincerely and pray for them.
Confession: The Holy Spirit works upon my heart to birth the character of Christ in me. I am healed of every bitterness and hatred towards my fellow man.
Related Scripture: Genesis 18, John 17, Acts 7:54-60
Bible Reading: Leviticus 9
