Prayer for those who have wronged us
Author: Emily Rose Massey
Bible reading:
“Above all, continue to love one another earnestly, for love covers a multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8, ESV
Listen or read below:
My husband and I run an online ministry that helps people on their Christian journey out of the prosperity gospel movement (a movement that proclaims that the blood of Jesus has purchased the abundant life of health, wealth, and earthly joy promised to all believers). This is a dangerous false message that diminishes the beauty of Christ’s finished work of justification and forgiveness. The teachings of this movement can really destroy someone’s faith. He and I are very passionate about defending it and proclaiming the truth in any way we can, as we ourselves have fallen into the trap of this false teaching.
On this missionary journey, we have met others who share our passion for protecting others from wolves in sheep’s clothing. Having a strong attitude toward popular teachers who are in the public eye means that some people may not be excited about your ministry. The backlash is easier to deal with when people join forces to fight false teachings online. It also gives us the courage to continue warning against error and proclaiming truth. You can imagine how one feels when one of those who warned against these false teachers and stood strong with you suddenly turns back and begins to embrace those wolves as brothers in Christ. I can tell you from personal experience that it is heartbreaking to witness and experience. The temptation I faced in this experience was to hunt down this person and expose them and their seemingly manipulative tactics, especially after they failed to heed warnings and corrections.
Situations that provoke strong emotional reactions, especially those of hurt, offense, or disappointment, require Biblical direction and wisdom to clarify those intense and legitimate emotions. In this situation we must not let our bodies dictate our actions. For us to be led by the Spirit means that we put to death the sins and desires of the flesh because they are contrary to the Spirit.
This is not a passive or mystical “guidance” or “subjective feeling,” but rather an active battle that is ever present in the life of the believer to learn what it means to walk in love, to be gracious and merciful, and to exhibit the fruits of the Spirit. Thankfully, as disciples of Christ, we are not left to human subjectivity or confusion in this guidance. God’s word is given to us as a lamp for our feet in a world of darkness and sin (Psalm 119:105).
When it comes to killing the desire to slander, slander, or speak harshly to those who appear to have wronged us, disappointed us, or intentionally (or unintentionally) hurt us, the scripture that both brings conviction and guidance is found in 1 Peter 4:8. “Above all, love one another fervently, for love covers a multitude of sins.”
When we are tempted to expose someone’s wrongdoing or sin to ourselves or others, the Bible encourages us to cover that person with grace and mercy instead. In my case, one of the ways I applied this to my situation was to delete the screenshots I had saved on my phone of hurtful and incorrect words that were said to me online. I was about to file a lawsuit against this person. In other words, to truly “put them in their shoes.” But ultimately, I had to pray for this person and be careful about the words I tell others about them. Instead of “stalking” their ministry pages online, I decided to unfollow and mute their posts (even for a season). That’s because I felt bitter and cynical about them. When I feel hurt, upset, or angry, I must extend grace.
Let’s pray:
Father God,
Give grace to those who have wronged me. Allow yourself to lovingly reprimand, correct, or warn as needed. Because it is also an extension of love for others. But after that difficult conflict occurs, Lord, help me to release the situation to You. Only you can prove whether I am truly wronged or guilty.
Help me to rest in your sovereignty. And trust that You will work in my heart as well as in theirs, so that You will teach me to truly love others as I love You. Above all, I must remember that all people are created in your image and are worthy of love and respect, regardless of their actions or words toward me. Lord, may the love and mercy you have given me flow to the most difficult people in my life.
In the name of Jesus, amen.
Share your thoughts on today’s devotion in the Daily Prayer discussion in the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Charday Penn
Emily Massey started writing short stories and poems at a young age, entered the world of blogging in her early twenties, and published her first book in 2015. While she enjoys being a homeschool mom to four boys, she is also able to pursue her passion as a writer. She believes much is forgiven, loves much, and desires to teach others about Christ and His saving and transforming power, especially by sharing the truths found in God’s written Word. To connect with Emily, please visit www.emilyrosemassey.com.
Related resource: What Jesus Never Said: 7 Common Misconceptions Christians Still Believe
Think you know everything Jesus said? Think again. In the first 2026 episode of The Greg Laurie Show, Pastor Greg delves into the common myths, cultural clichés, and, simply put, the deep-seated misconceptions that many Christians believe to be true. From “God is mad at me and trying to ruin my life” to “Follow your heart,” Pastor Greg unpacks the difference between feel-good slogans, half-truths, and life-changing Biblical facts.
Whether you’re struggling with religious questions, burned out on self-help, or simply looking for real answers, this episode offers a clear invitation to experience the clarity, warmth, and hope that only Jesus can bring. If you liked this episode, be sure to follow The Greg Laurie Show on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode.
