An insurance agent was writing a policy for a cowboy. “Have you ever had any accidents?” the agent asked.

“No, not really,” replied the cowboy. “A horse kicked me and broke some of my ribs once. Another time I got bit by a rattlesnake, but that’s about it.”

“You don’t call those accidents?” asked the agent.

“Oh, no,” came the answer. “They did it on purpose!”

It’s hard enough to pray, “Lord, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” It’s even more difficult to forgive people when they hurt us on purpose. Yet that’s what we are supposed to do.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”—Matthew 5:43-44.

Even when it’s not an accident!