Step 4: Pray for the One Who Hurt You

Scripture:“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” – Matthew 5:44

Praying Through the Pain

One of the most radical teachings of Jesus is this command to pray for the very people who hurt us. He doesn’t just ask us to tolerate them or ignore the pain. He tells us to love them and to start that love in prayer.

That feels impossible sometimes. When your heart is still bleeding from the wound, the last thing you want to do is speak a blessing over the one who caused it. But Jesus never calls us to do the easy thing. He calls us to do the transforming thing.

Praying for someone who has wronged you doesn’t start with good feelings. It often begins with honesty. Maybe the only prayer you can offer at first is, “Lord, I don’t want to do this, but I’m willing to try.” That’s enough. God honors even the smallest step in the right direction.

As you continue to pray, something begins to shift. You may start with resistance, but over time, the grip of bitterness loosens. Prayer doesn’t excuse the offense or erase the memory of what happened. It simply creates space for God to enter the brokenness and begin His healing work.

Sometimes the first healing that happens is in you. You may never get the apology you deserve. The relationship may never be restored. But prayer invites peace where pain once lived. It opens your heart to see the situation with God's perspective, not just your own.

You don’t have to feel ready to pray. You just have to be willing. Forgiveness is a process, and prayer is often the bridge that takes you from hurt to healing. Start where you are, even if it’s just a whisper. God will meet you there.