Why should I intercede for someone who hurt me?

 

Short Answer:

Those who are right with God have a spiritual responsibility to bring those who are walking in sinfulness before the Lord so that He might be moved to mercy on their behalf.

 

What the Bible Says

Scripture repeatedly shows us that God calls those who are righteous to intercede for those who are not. Abraham asked that God spare Sodom if ten were found righteous (Genesis18:16-33). Moses pleaded that God would spare the Israelites for their idol worship in the wilderness (Numbers 14:11- 20). Daniel petitioned for mercy instead of disaster for Judah during their Babylonian exile (Daniel 9:19). Each time, God faithfully responded. To Abraham, He promised that if just ten were found righteous, He would spare the city (Genesis 18:32).  He told Moses that He would forgive the Israelites because of his words (Numbers 14:20). To Daniel, He sent the angel Gabriel with a message of hope for Judah (Daniel 9:20 – 27).

We are not told that intercession leads to an immediate change in the circumstances for God’s people. Sodom was, in fact, destroyed. The Israelites wandered for a period of forty years. Judah remained in exile for the promised seventy years. What we do see, however, is that God’s heart of mercy can be petitioned by the righteous. Scripture clearly states that “God does not hear sinners” (John 9:31). However, the prayers of the righteous or powerful and effective (Proverbs 15:29). When we do His will, He listens (John 9:31).

The wrath of God is not constrained to the Old Testament. Romans 1:18 says, “the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.” However, 2 Peter 3:9 tells us that God doesn’t want anyone to perish. We’re specifically instructed to pray, intercede, give thanks, and make supplication for everyone (1 Timothy 2:1), and “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2). In other words, those who are right with God have a spiritual responsibility to bring those who are walking in sinfulness before the Lord so that He will be moved to mercy on their behalf.

 

 What Do I Do With This?

1 John 2:6 calls us to walk like Christ. It’s not just about kindness and forgiveness. It’s also about intercession on behalf of those who are not in a spiritual position to effectively appeal to God themselves, regardless of our personal feelings or circumstances. Ever the perfect example, Jesus, even in the midst of crucifixion, interceded for those who would otherwise face God’s wrath (Luke 23:34).

How often are we unlike Jesus when offended? How often do we choose anger and resentment? This doesn’t mean that we actively seek revenge. Christians are quick to remember that the Lord says that vengeance is His (Romans 12:19). We go about our lives in faith that God will defend us, conveniently forgetting that the same God also says, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice” (Hosea 6:6).

We’re told not to sin in our anger (Ephesians 4:26). Yet we’re quick to withhold prayer for an offender, which is the opposite of what we’re told to do. We are to pray for our enemies (Matthew 5:44) and intercede for everyone (1Timothy 2:1), regardless of feelings. Do we not understand that choosing to speak in anger and choosing not to intercede because we’re angry can be equally sinful?

To walk with God, to be righteous, means that your will lines up with His. It means that you don’t want to see anyone perish (2 Peter 3:9), and you desire mercy first (Hosea 6:6). It means that when someone hurts or offends you, your response is to appeal to God on their behalf for forgiveness – not on your behalf for vengeance. 

Jesus tells us to be merciful so that we can obtain mercy (Matthew 5:7). We can certainly look at this as a principle of reaping what you sow (Galatians 6:6-8). However, it’s also an understanding that mercy is a decision to walk like Christ. When we choose intercession at a time of offense, we’re choosing mercy. We’re choosing God’s will over our own. We’re accepting that His desire for redemption is greater than our prideful, human desire for divine wrath. To intercede for someone who hurt you is to stand righteous before God.

Relevant Scripture

• And He said, “I will not destroy it for the sake of ten.” (Genesis 18:32)
• Then the Lord said: “I have pardoned, according to your word; (Numbers 14:20)
• Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him. (John 9:31)
• The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous. (Proverbs 15:29)
• The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)
• Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men (1 Timothy 2:1)
• Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)
• He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. (1 John 2:6)
• Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
•  “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. (Romans 12:19)
• For I desire mercy and not sacrifice (Hosea 6:6)
• Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. (Matthew 5:7)
• O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, listen and act! Do not delay for Your own sake, my God, for Your city and Your people are called by Your name.” (Daniel 9:19)
• “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath (Ephesians 4:26)