A Prayer to Love My Enemies
By Rachael Adams
Bible Reading:
“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” - Luke 6:27-28 (ESV)
Read or Listen Below:
Who is your enemy? Is it someone who has rejected, betrayed, or deeply hurt you? Jesus calls us to love even that person. This command feels impossible, doesn’t it? Yet Jesus not only instructs us to love our enemies, He shows us how. On the night of His betrayal, Jesus, fully aware of Judas’s intent, knelt to wash his feet. He knew Judas would betray Him, Peter would deny Him, and the disciples would abandon Him, yet His love for them remained steadfast.
Loving those who hurt us is a reflection of God’s supernatural love for us. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. When we follow His example by forgiving and praying for our enemies, we invite His grace to transform our hearts. This doesn’t mean the hurt disappears or the relationship is restored, but it does mean we trust God to bring healing and redemption in His time and His way.
Let’s Pray:
Father, loving my enemies feels impossible, but I know nothing is impossible with You. I confess the hurt, anger, and resentment I feel toward those who have wronged me. Help me to release these emotions and replace them with love and forgiveness. Empower me through Your Holy Spirit to bless and pray for them, even when it’s hard. I ask for Your blessings over the people who have hurt me, trusting that You are working in their lives as much as You are in mine. Help me to see them as You do—with compassion and mercy. Heal the broken places in my heart, and use what was meant for harm to bring about good. Thank You for loving me, even when I fall short.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/fizkes
Related Resource: How to Choose Your One Word for 2026
This month on the How to Study the Bible Podcast, we’re starting a new series called One Word 2026, and it’s meant to be a gentle but intentional way to reflect, respond, and reconnect with God as we begin the year. In this episode, I’m walking you through why I love taking the whole month of January to pause and listen — rather than rushing into resolutions or putting pressure on yourself to “get it all together” by January 1. We’re going to start with Philippians 1:3–11, where Paul reminds us that we can have real confidence because God is still working in us, and He’s not finished.
Then I’m going to share six words I’ve been praying over for our community — six spiritual intentions that I believe reflect the kind of growth God may be inviting us into this year. You don’t have to choose one right away, and you definitely don’t have to force it — but I hope that one of these words will resonate in your spirit and give you a steady anchor for 2026.
This episode is part of our How to Study the Bible Podcast, a show that brings life back to reading the Bible and helps you understand even the hardest parts of Scripture. If this episode helps you know and love God more, be sure to subscribe to the How to Study the Bible Podcast on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
