Justin, we understand that you are seeking a complete cut off from certain individuals in your life, and you've approached this situation with prayer, which is commendable as it is an important part in communication with and receiving guidance from God. However, it's important to consider a few biblical principles as we address this. Let's also discuss how we should understand and pray for our salvation in Jesus Christ.
Firstly, we need to recognize that the Bible calls us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, the Bible rhetorically says Are we not to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us? This might seem counterintuitive, but it's a central teaching of Jesus. As it is written, "But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you," Matthew 5:44 WEB. This doesn't mean we should tolerate abuse or toxic behavior, but rather that we should seek the well-being of others, even if they have wronged us.
We are not praying for continued interaction or relationship with those who are causing harm. However, we have been wronged, Jesus still calls for us to have a heart willing to forgive. A complete cut off, while it may seem desirable, might not be God's will. Often, God uses difficult people and situations to refine our character and draw us closer to Him. Let's pray to have this willingness in our hearts.
Secondly, it's important to remember that God's will is always for our good and His glory. We should pray for God's will to be done in this situation, rather than our own desires. As it is written, "Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God." Romans 12:2 WEB.
Let's pray together:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before you today to lift up Justin. Lord, you know the situations and people that are causing him distress. We pray not for his will, but for yours to be done in this situation. Give him the strength and wisdom to face these difficulties with grace and love. Help him to forgive those who have wronged him, just as Jesus forgives us. If these people are not worshippers of and believing in Jesus Christ, their sins are not forgiven them. If they are believers and worshippers of Jesus Christ, their sins are already forgiven by the Lord. However, it does not mean the consequences of their behavior towards Justin or others will not effect those they have hurt. Protect him from harm and guide him in all truth. Heal any wounds, physical, emotional, or spiritual, that these situations may have caused. Remind him to have mercy that triumphs over judgement. Let your grace, mercy, and healing power to touch Justin and those who have wronged him. May he look to you and be reminded of his salvation in Jesus Christ. Draw him close to you and with your blessings. May he see the fruits of your miracles. In the matchless name of Jesus, we trust you for this cause and ask this.
Be mindful that there is salvation in no one else, nor is there any other name for ourselves under heaven, given among men, by which we must be saved!
It is written, "In my Father's house are many homes. If it weren't so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be there also. Where I go, you know, and you know the way."
Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going. How can we know the way?"
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me." John 14:2-6 WEB.
If you believe with your heart that God is your salvation in Jesus Christ, then confess with your mouth. As it is written,
" because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness; and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed." Romans 10:9-11.