Praying for a Thief
November 17, 2015
Matthew 5:44”Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you” (KJV)
Last week Will Adams, our Digital Ministry Coordinator, had his wallet stolen. He got a glimpse of the thief before he lifted his wallet, and he posted his response to the thief on Facebook. Will wrote, “I saw you. You took my wallet. You looked like you had a lot going through your mind. Like maybe life isn’t going the way you’d hoped. There’s little doubt you needed the cash more than I do. A minor inconvenience for me hopefully means a meal or two for you. Of course, it’s likely you won’t spend the money well, but you made one mistake. No, it wasn’t passing by the security camera, though that won’t help you any. You stole from a man who prays for his enemies – someone who prays for radical change in the lives of those who need Christ. So if you thought you could get away without repercussions you were wrong, because I’m praying that God’s grace shows up in your life in a way that calls you to Him, and when God interrupts, it’s a lot bigger deal than losing a wallet. To be clear, I wouldn’t dare pray for justice, because I’ve messed up too, but next time just ask. I would’ve given you the cash and I could’ve kept my Salsarita’s loyalty card.” Now that’s what it means to live out your faith in a real world. The best way to get free of anger and bitterness at another person is to pray for them. You will be amazed at what it will do to your heart, and what that prayer might do for your enemy.
Last week Will Adams, our Digital Ministry Coordinator, had his wallet stolen. He got a glimpse of the thief before he lifted his wallet, and he posted his response to the thief on Facebook. Will wrote, “I saw you. You took my wallet. You looked like you had a lot going through your mind. Like maybe life isn’t going the way you’d hoped. There’s little doubt you needed the cash more than I do. A minor inconvenience for me hopefully means a meal or two for you. Of course, it’s likely you won’t spend the money well, but you made one mistake. No, it wasn’t passing by the security camera, though that won’t help you any. You stole from a man who prays for his enemies – someone who prays for radical change in the lives of those who need Christ. So if you thought you could get away without repercussions you were wrong, because I’m praying that God’s grace shows up in your life in a way that calls you to Him, and when God interrupts, it’s a lot bigger deal than losing a wallet. To be clear, I wouldn’t dare pray for justice, because I’ve messed up too, but next time just ask. I would’ve given you the cash and I could’ve kept my Salsarita’s loyalty card.” Now that’s what it means to live out your faith in a real world. The best way to get free of anger and bitterness at another person is to pray for them. You will be amazed at what it will do to your heart, and what that prayer might do for your enemy.