Pray for those who have wronged you

“If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need.” Ephesians 4:28

Like most of my runner friends, I was deeply saddened by the news my friend, Eric, owner of the Springfield Fleet Feet running store, where many running events happen and the place runners go when they want that perfect pair of shoes, posted Saturday night. “We had a break-in at Fleet Feet at 11:20 pm tonight. The thief was a male with dark hair, maybe 5’7”-5’9” and 180-220lbs. He had a white box truck with a side opening door that he parked to conceal himself drilling out the door lock. He stole all of our Garmin and Coros watches. If you see any new Garmin and Coros watches advertised locally on FB marketplace, Craigslist, etc, please let me know. The police said FB Marketplace is the hot place for stolen items these days. Tip-offs may he surprisingly good pricing or more than one unit for sale at once. Thanks everyone.” Sadly the chances of Eric recovering any of these items is pretty slim. But there’s always hope right?

And you know, while it’s natural for you and me to feel anger towards the person that committed these crimes, we would do well to remember that we were once lost in our sin and in need of redirection too. Which should cause us to not only pray for this person to get caught but to pray that he would accept Jesus as his Lord and Savior. You see, it’s never too late for a person to be saved and turn from their old ways. Can you just imagine if this person “quit stealing” and used his “hands for good hard work instead?” His life would not only be changed but so would the lives of those watching and witnessing the transformation that only Jesus can provide.

So remember to pray for all those who have wronged you my friend. After all, forgiving those the world deems unworthy of pardon has the power to inspire the lost to seek this Jesus who can cause us to love in such a sacrificial way.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we are to pray for those who have wronged us, something we can do only by the power of Jesus in us. Lord we pray that the person who robbed this store would come to know You, to repent of their sins, to become a new creation and to “then give generously to those in need” inspiring those around him to seek You too. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!