Boy that is a difficult one, there are days I can say I genuinely pray for those who’ve intentionally caused me harm, heartache and suffering. I know those who attack, do so for mainly 2 reasons, they themselves are deeply hurt & are suffering, they lash out and attack others trying to make themselves feel better. The latter are either jealous or full of spite, they become jealous of others loving you or following you.

God calls on us to forgive, 70 x 7, we too must try to forgive and find it in our hearts to pray for them. When I can not, as there are days I vividly remember what was done to me, I ask our Father to soften my heart. I’m not perfect, I’ll confess, I silently hope, they have it coming…God has watched them, HE knows what they’ve done, HE will be their final judge and prosecution.

The scripture you quoted, Matthew 5:44 says, “But I say to you, love your enemies and PRAY for those who persecute you” does help me.
I too need this reminder, “to remove the bitterness, the anger, and the hurt I feel, and turn it into love, mercy, and forgiveness.”

Thank you for reminding us to forgive our enemies.

God Bless you