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.
Returning
good for good is human; returning good for evil is divine. (RBC)
