[Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Pray for those who despise you

By Oke Chinye

Read: Genesis 37:12-36, 50:15-21

Meditation verse:

“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to  those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute  you” (Mathew 5:44). 

We live in a world full of broken and hurting people who sometimes take out  their frustrations on others. How do you react with people are unjust and  discourteous towards you? Do you know that a major reason why people are mean to others without cause is that they are unhappy or dissatisfied with their  lives? They despise you when they believe you have been greatly blessed in  areas they haven’t. In their discontentment, envy and bitterness, they lash out  at you. Why then would you choose to retaliate? You ought to pray for them. 

The sad reality is that it may even be those of your household as we see in  today’s reading. Joseph the dreamer was blessed with an ability to interpret  dreams, but he was a very naive lad. In his naivety, he expected his brothers to  rejoice with him, when he revealed ‘his dream of greatness’ to them. But they  were already displeased by their father’s undue favoritism and show of affection  towards him, so they unimpressed. In their envy and bitterness, they plotted to  kill him but eventually sold him as a slave to a bunch of rich merchants  journeying to Egypt. The brothers’ action was intended to end Joseph’s dream  of greatness. Through his brother’s wicked deed, Potiphar’s wife’s accusation,  and the butler’s neglect in prison, he refused to succumb to bitterness or hate. When eventually faced with an opportunity to retaliate, he chose the path of  forgiveness. 

Praying for those who spitefully use you enables you to forgive and act in love  towards them even when you don’t feel love for them. When you hate those  who despise you and repay their evil with evil, you are condescending to their  level and may miss out on the blessings that often come with God’s commands.  “Without forgiveness, life is governed by…. an endless cycle of resentment and  retaliation” (Roberto Assagioli). This is not intended to make you a doormat for  others to step on. Ask God for wisdom in every scenario and let the Holy Spirit guide your actions.

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Pst (Mrs) Oke Chinye, Founder of The Rock Teaching Ministry (TRTM).

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