When I hear news of a crime, I immediately pray for the victims and their families. 

It is easy to pray for the victims of crime, but how can we even think about praying for the criminals?

In Luke 6:27–28, Jesus is asking us to do something that is against our basic instincts. Our human nature too often insists that we seek revenge when someone does harm to an innocent person; we demand justice or punishment. What Jesus asks of us seems to be impossible.

But God created and loves us all—even criminals. As Christians, we are instructed to love and pray for all of God’s people, not just the ones whom we deem good and respectable.

After all the torture and humiliation that Jesus endured during his crucifixion, he said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing’ (Luke 23:34). 

As followers of Christ, we can embrace and follow his example, beginning with prayer.

Prayer: Dear God of grace, teach us to forgive others as you forgive us. Amen