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)
