Most of us know the story of Job, how his own friends ridiculed him, accused him of being in sin and how God blessed him in the end.

There are many rich lessons to learn from this historical character. In the last chapter Job does something that would be considered out of character to the normal person. He “prayed” for his so called friends that maligned and defamed him… Job 42:10 And the Lord restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.

What’s crazy is God restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends. When was the last time we prayed for those that harmed us intentionally? What seems even more crass is that Jesus asks us to pray for our enemies… Matthew 5:43-44 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But 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. Yes I know it doesn’t make sense. But the truth will set us free.

Forgiveness opens the windows in heaven and releases us from all hurt.

Prayer for today… Lord help me to forgive and set me free