Imagine bringing Jesus someone’s sickness of the body the way we accuse and think about someone’s sickness of the heart.

Me: Lord, they’re blind, they can’t walk, they’re sick.

Jesus: I can heal them.

Me: Lord, they’re selfish, unloving and petty.

Jesus: I can heal them.

And, that’s all a heart after His wants.

“For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.”
—Luke 9:56

That is why our Lord tells us to pray rather than condemn.

“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you”
—Matthew 5:44

Because, prayer for my offender aligns my heart with His.

“that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”

“Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”
—Matthew 5:45,48

Prayer for my offender guards my heart from the demonic attack that the evil one is attempting to bring through the offense of another.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
—Philippians 4:6-7

And prayer for my offender protects my heart from the root of bitterness the enemy is trying to implant.

“Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.”
—Proverbs 4:23

“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;”
—Hebrews 12:14-15

Prayer changes the trajectory of a thought.

It not only fosters patience, long-suffering and kindness for another (fruit of the Spirit).

It heals me too.