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What a dilemma! Your child complains to you about the neighbor child who picks on her, and all you can think of is, Yes, let's tie her in a chair and stash her in a closet. The people who make life difficult for your children are often not your favorite people. The teacher who has taken a dislike to your children needs to grow up! Somehow you're supposed to teach your children to "love their enemies," but you struggle with that yourself.

To be honest, loving enemies is not only unreachable, but unthinkable. But Scripture suggests that you pray for them. Prayer reorders your heart as you ask that these "problem" people get the love and positive attention they desire. As your heart softens toward these troublemakers, you can offer a more gentle attitude toward them to your own children—and even pray with your children for them.

You might begin by asking your child what this person needs, then pray for his needs with your child. As you pray, admit that this child is someone God loves as he loves you. Then pray that God's love would live in you and your child. (See also Jonah 1; Luke 10:25-37; 3 John 4-11.)

Good Words to Remember:
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. Matthew 5:44

Today's Challenge:
How might you model praying for your enemies?

Bible Studies on Parenting and Family