PRAYING FOR AND BLESSING THOSE WHO OPPOSE US

NO STRINGS ATTACHED

When we bless those from whom we gain nothing in return, we express love in its purest form. It becomes transformational rather than transactional. Why? Because we do it for Jesus. We do it because we love him, and because we love him we yearn to obey him. We do it with no strings attached, counting only the joy of giving as our sole benefit, knowing the testimony of Jesus is going forth.

BECAUSE OF LOVE: PRAY AND OBEY

Recently a small group of us spent a couple of days visiting with and praying for our state’s top political leaders, including our Governor whose views stood in staunch opposition to ours and whose actions led to the legalization of gay marriage in our state. I think he was pleasantly surprised that we took the time to do so. More importantly, I think he was moved and God was pleased. We were simply obeying 1 Timothy 2:1-4 which exhorts us to “pray for all those in authority.” And the passage goes on to say, “this is good and pleases God our Savior.” Notice that scripture does not say pray for only “some” who are in authority. Or “against” those who disagree with us.

As we continue to believe for his salvation and those of other leaders, I am reminded that as we pray, God moves. A few of those leaders have come to Christ. Perhaps a greater exercise of intercession early on and less expression of opposition might have made a difference. While only God knows, this we do know – by God’s grace we can still shape tomorrow.