1 Timothy 2:1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,

We’ve been instructed to pray for all. No one’s left out of all. This means praying for people who love you as well as praying for people who hate you. This means praying for people you like and praying for people you don’t like. This means praying for your best friend and praying for your worst enemy.

It’s easy to pray for people that we love and who love us, but it takes maturity to pray for people who hurt and hate us. When praying for people who hurt or hate us, we pray for their salvation (1 Tim. 2:4). We pray that they come into the knowledge of God (Eph. 1:17). We pray that the goodness of God will lead to their repentance (Rom. 2:4). We pray that they’re transformed by the renewing of their mind (Rom. 12:2). We use our authority to stop demonic influences from operating in their lives (Luke 10:19).

Think of how great this world would be if people would overcome pride, selfishness, and hurt, and sincerely pray for all. Let’s continue to pray.