Hello, I’ve posted here before, along a similar vein with my question today. About 5 years ago, my brother died suddenly and under very suspicious circumstances, it’s my belief that his ex-wife drugged some food to kill him, she had her sights set on his house for herself, by going through their son.
The house belongs to me, but she immediately got a probate case going in court, and it’s still going on. The other day, my husband and I were discussing an incident where she tried to manipulate us into a situation, by using her son as a pawn for sympathy (I adored my nephew). My husband got angry, made an unkind comment about her and stated that he hopes she burns in hell.
I’ve been praying for her, not because I want to, but because I want to be obedient to God, but it occurred to me - how do evil people like Charles Manson, Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer fall into the realm of forgiveness? I would put my brother’s ex-wife in that category, most like Charles Manson, the level of manipulation shared by both is the standout characteristic.
How do you pray for people that are so inherently evil like that? My brother’s ex-wife even asked me one time - “Why are you helping me? I’m evil”. I understand that God is miraculous, but in my heart of hearts, I believe that she is truly evil and wants to live her life that way, manipulating people out of money, etc. She’s also tried to manipulate other people that are Christians into thinking that she was embracing Christianity, but there was no evidence or fruit when these other Christians were not as involved with her.
I’d love to get some insight on this, thanks in advance.
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I’m praying for someone who doesn’t identify as evil, but has an evil heart. I look at them and think salvation is impossible, but God says all things are possible through Him. For me, like you it’s a matter of obedience. I also know there’s no one else on earth praying for this person. Whether salvation happens or not is not up to me. I’m not responsible for the outcome, only to do what I believe is right.
It is hard, especially when you’ve been hurt by that person. It’s almost like you have to rise above it and realize what their actions say about their soul. Praying for them is just as much for you as it is for them. It’s a turning to the Lord on behalf of someone who’s hurt you.
At the same time you ask God to show you how to forgive and let go of any bitterness or unforgiveness. I’m not saying you have that, but if you do it needs to go.
The way of salvation is the same for everybody, even for those like Charles Manson or Ted Bundy. You know the way. I recently read about a man in a Russian prison who had killed 21 people and was on death row. He found Jesus in that jail. That doesn’t change his circumstances but it does change his heart. So there’s always hope.
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Thanks for your input. I would say that my brother’s ex-wife has an evil heart as well, she’s done very manipulative things to her son (whom she claims to adore), such as putting him in a situation where he looks guilty re: my brother’s death, while she left town to clear herself. I know I need to ask God how to show me to forgive her and to help me let go of bitterness, which is very real in this case. I also believe that God can change a heart, such as the man in prison you described. The consequences of the crime will still be there. In this case, where the “Christian card” has been played several times by her, to con people, if she were to proclaim that she’s found Jesus, I would be very skeptical. Regardless, I have to do this for myself and my peace, God will deal with her, all I can do is be in God’s will for myself.