Pray for Who? The Lord Jesus Christ Calls Us to Pray for Those Who Hurt Us

Have You Ever Been Hurt So Deeply That You Didn’t Even Want to Pray?

Have you ever had someone betray your trust, spread lies about you, or treat you unfairly? If so, you know how painful those moments can be. In fact, the deepest wounds often come from people we loved the most. Consequently, many people struggle with bitterness, anger, and disappointment for years.

However, there is hope.

For years, I have studied and taught the Word of the Lord Jesus Christ. Again and again, I have discovered that His commands do more than challenge us—they heal us. Therefore, today we will discover why the Lord Jesus Christ tells us to pray for those who mistreat us, how this command changes our hearts, and how obedience leads to lasting peace.

By the end of this article, you will understand why praying for your enemies is one of the greatest acts of faith you can make.

The Upside-Down Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ

Throughout His earthly ministry, the Lord Jesus Christ constantly challenged human thinking.

People expected revenge.

Instead, He taught forgiveness.

People expected justice alone.

Instead, He taught mercy alongside justice.

People expected blessings for friends.

Instead, He taught blessings even for enemies.

His teachings shocked nearly everyone because they revealed the true heart of the law. Rather than focusing only on outward actions, He focused on the condition of the human heart.

That is still true today

Loving Easy People Is Easy

Let’s be honest.

Most of us naturally love people who love us.

We enjoy spending time with family members who encourage us.

We appreciate friends who support us.

We admire coworkers who respect us.

Naturally, these relationships are enjoyable because trust already exists.

Yet real love is not tested when life is easy.

Instead, love is revealed when someone disappoints us.

That is exactly where the Lord Jesus Christ meets us.

The Command That Changes Everything

The Lord Jesus Christ said:

“Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.” (Luke 6:28)

This command is simple to read.

However, it is incredibly difficult to practice.

Why?

Because our natural response is often very different.

We want revenge.

We want fairness.

We want people to experience the same pain they caused us.

Nevertheless, the Lord Jesus Christ calls us to something much greater.

He calls us to pray for those who hurt us.

A Story Many People Can Relate To

Imagine a man named David.

David faithfully served at his church for years.

Then one day, someone falsely accused him of something he never did.

Soon, friendships disappeared.

People stopped calling.

Rumors spread.

David became angry.

Every night he replayed the conversations in his mind.

Eventually, he realized something surprising.

The people who hurt him were no longer controlling his life.

His bitterness was.

Finally, David began praying—not because they deserved it, but because he needed healing.

Little by little, the Lord Jesus Christ softened his heart.

Although some relationships were never restored, David found peace again.

That is the power of obedient prayer.

Why Does the Lord Jesus Christ Want Us to Pray for Our Enemies?

Prayer Changes Us

First, prayer changes our own hearts.

While praying, bitterness slowly loses its grip.

Anger begins to fade.

Compassion starts to grow.

Prayer invites the work of the Holy Spirit into our emotions.

Prayer Opens the Door for Healing

Secondly, prayer begins the healing process.

Healing does not always happen overnight.

Sometimes it takes weeks.

Sometimes it takes years.

Even so, every sincere prayer moves us closer to freedom.

Prayer Reflects the Character of the Lord Jesus Christ

Most importantly, praying for those who hurt us makes us more like the Lord Jesus Christ.

While hanging on the cross, He prayed for those who crucified Him.

His love reached people who hated Him.

His mercy extended to those who rejected Him.

His forgiveness became our example.

If He loved us while we were still sinners, surely we can begin praying for those who have hurt us.

What If Justice Is Needed?

Some people misunderstand forgiveness.

Forgiveness does not ignore wrongdoing.

Forgiveness does not pretend evil never happened.

Forgiveness does not prevent healthy boundaries.

Instead, forgiveness places justice into the hands of the Lord Jesus Christ.

You can pray for someone while still allowing appropriate consequences for harmful actions.

In fact, you should pray both for justice and restoration.

Ask the Lord Jesus Christ to expose truth.

Ask Him to protect everyone involved.

Ask Him to transform hearts.

How to Begin Praying for Someone Who Hurt You

If this feels impossible, start small.

Pray something like this:

“Lord Jesus Christ, my heart is hurting. I don’t feel like praying for this person. Yet I choose to obey You. Please soften my heart. Bring healing to my life. If possible, bring repentance, restoration, and peace into this situation. Help me become more like You. Amen.”

The first prayer may feel uncomfortable.

The second may feel easier.

Eventually, your heart begins to change.

The Freedom Found in Forgiveness

Unforgiveness is like carrying a heavy backpack every day.

Eventually, it becomes exhausting.

However, prayer removes one stone at a time.

Soon, the burden becomes lighter.

Finally, your heart experiences freedom that anger could never provide.

That is why the Lord Jesus Christ commands us to pray for those who mistreat us.

He is not making life harder.

He is making our hearts healthier.

Practical Steps You Can Take Today

• Pray for one person who has hurt you.
• Ask the Lord Jesus Christ to heal your heart.
• Pray for justice without seeking revenge.
• Ask for restoration where possible.
• Refuse to speak negatively about that person.
• Remember how much mercy the Lord Jesus Christ has shown you.
• Continue praying daily, even when your feelings have not yet changed.

Every small step of obedience brings you closer to becoming more like the Lord Jesus Christ.

Reflection

Ask yourself these questions:

• Is there someone I refuse to pray for?
• Have I allowed bitterness to control my heart?
• What would change if I trusted the Lord Jesus Christ with my pain?
• Am I willing to obey even when obedience feels difficult?

Interactive Bible Quiz

1. According to Luke 6:28, who should we pray for?

A. Only our family

B. Only believers

C. Those who mistreat us

D. Only our friends

Answer: C

2. What is one result of praying for those who hurt us?

A. We become bitter.

B. Our hearts become softer.

C. We forget what happened instantly.

D. We avoid everyone.

Answer: B

3. Who is our greatest example of forgiving others?

A. Moses

B. David

C. Peter

D. The Lord Jesus Christ

Answer: D

Weekly Poll

Which part of this teaching is most difficult for you?

• ☐ Praying for someone who hurt me.
• ☐ Forgiving someone.
• ☐ Trusting the Lord Jesus Christ with justice.
• ☐ Loving difficult people.
• ☐ Letting go of bitterness.

Reader Survey

How has praying for someone who hurt you changed your life?

Share your testimony in the comments. Your story may encourage someone who is struggling today.

Final Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, thank You for loving me when I did not deserve it. Thank You for showing mercy instead of condemnation. Today I choose to obey Your Word. Help me pray for those who have hurt me. Heal every wound in my heart. Remove bitterness, anger, and resentment. Fill me with Your love and compassion. Bring justice where it is needed, and bring restoration wherever possible. Make me more like You every day. In Your holy name, Amen.

Conclusion

The world teaches us to get even.

The Lord Jesus Christ teaches us to love.

The world tells us to hold grudges.

The Lord Jesus Christ teaches us to pray.

The world celebrates revenge.

The Lord Jesus Christ offers freedom.

Today, choose the better path.

Begin praying for those who have hurt you.

As you do, you will discover that the Lord Jesus Christ is not only changing them—He is transforming you.