Do You Pray For Those Who Persecute You?

Matthew 5:44 (NIV)

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

Several years ago Tung was known as the "great persecutor" by local Christians in the central Vietnamese town where he lived. The Communist police officer had earned his infamous name because of his reputation for harassing house-church Christians.

Tung had little toleration for such people. As far as he was concerned, these "law­breakers" deserved to be punished when they continued to conduct their "illegal" religious activities by meeting in their homes.

But God had other plans for Tung. Despite his animosity toward the local Christians, several believers began to persistently pray for the police official. Some even dared to share the Gospel with him.

Gradually, as they continued to win his trust and friendship, Tung's heart began to soften. Finally it came to the point when he could no longer reject the truth of the Bible. Tung became a Christian. Like the apostle Paul, the policeman had become one of the very people he had previously persecuted.

Tung's outlook on life was transformed. Many of the villagers could not believe that this was the same man who had been so filled with enmity toward Christians.

Tung's spiritual life continued to flourish, and he soon began to move into a leadership role in his church. Sometime later he attended a theological training seminar for church leaders. Tung returned to his home­town, determined that his life should be used by God to further the Gospel.

Since that time many have come to know Christ through Tung's ministry. He now oversees two house churches and is involved among the highland tribal people of central Vietnam.

Is there someone in your life right now that you need to pray for and show God’s love?

Dear Lord, we pray today that we would pray for those that persecute us and are against what we believe.  Help us be a witness for You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.