Forgiveness That Prays for Enemies
But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you,
Jesus calls his followers to a love that defies our natural instincts, a love that reaches toward those who have wronged us, not away from them. This is not passive tolerance but active goodwill: blessing, doing good, and praying for the very people who have caused us harm. It's one of the hardest teachings in Scripture because it asks us to extend grace precisely where we feel justified in withholding it.
We see this command lived out in the story of Ikhlaq Masih, a 17-year-old Christian in Pakistan who was severely beaten by a mob after he stood up to protect a girl from harassment. Rather than responding with bitterness toward the men who attacked him with pistols, iron rods, and chains, Masih has chosen forgiveness. He told International Christian Concern that he prays for his attackers to repent and turn to Christ, saying he wishes they were followers of Jesus because genuine faith reflects love and compassion, not violence.
What makes Masih's response so striking is that it didn't come easily or without cost. He is still healing from his injuries months later. Yet his instinct was to pray for his attackers' transformation rather than their punishment. This mirrors exactly what Jesus describes: love directed not at those who are easy to love, but at those who have actively caused harm.
This kind of forgiveness isn't about minimizing wrong or pretending pain doesn't exist. Masih's wounds were real, and his story highlights the real danger many Christians face. But his response shows that love for enemies isn't just a lofty ideal. It's a lived reality for believers around the world who choose to pray for the hearts of those who persecute them, trusting that transformation is possible.
To read the full story of Ikhlaq Masih's recovery and his remarkable response to those who hurt him, check out International Christian Concern's piece, "Update: Christian Teen Healing from Mob Assault Forgives His Attackers."
Read the source: International Christian Concern →