"Jesus prayed for others and so can you"
Two thoughts on praying for others:
Christ said, "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you; and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you" (Matt. 5:44; see also 3 Nephi 12:44). Praying for those who "despitefully" use me, this means I will pray for those who hate me or want to harm me. Perhaps when I am offended, or easily hurt, this might be a good place for me to begin practicing this very thing.
Christ, of course, set the perfect example while on the cross. "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots" (Luke 23:34). Jesus Christ prayed for the soldiers who put Him on the cross, crucified Him, and then gambled about who would get His garments. When Christ prays for them, He asks that they be forgiven, because they don't know what they are doing. Perhaps this is the same when others offend me or hurt me. They don't really know that I am hurt or offended. As I have tried to see the person and their heart, I usually find that they have no desire to harm or hurt me. I have found it so much easier to forgive others when I step back and look at the intent of the person's heart. I must say, God always helps me forgive them when I ask that they be forgiven.
 |
| The Crucifixion of Christ, artist unknown In this particular painting you can see the soldiers wagering for the garments of Christ |
 |
| The Crucifixion, by Harry Anderson In this particular painting you see a Soldier in the front, seeming to ponder, or perhaps tired from the work of crucifying others. |
No comments:
Post a Comment