Psalm 109:4

Pam Padgett - teacher

Psalm 109:4 For my love they are my adversaries: but I give myself unto prayer.

On multiple occasions I have been led by God to warn someone who planned to enter into an adulterous marriage (the woman had already been married and divorced  ... Matt. 5:32).  This has included people I have gone to church with, a woman I considered my best friend for many years, and one of my sisters.  Even though I went to them in love, wanting good and not evil for them, they didn't turn from their plans to marry but turned against me and wanted nothing more to do with me.

Just as Jesus was hated as He did the will of the Father, we are hated as well. 

It is painful to be hated, even when the hatred is for doing the will of God.  And there is danger of letting evil (such as resentment or hatred) enter our hearts. 

But because we belong to God, we can turn to Him in prayer with the pain and hurt, committing ourselves and the situation to Him to work out as HE wills.  And God helps us.

Amazingly, as I considered those who have turned against me I don't think there is any evil in my heart toward them.  This is not because of my own strength or will, but because God has healed, comforted, and restored me.  It brings me joy to see what God has done in this.