Jeremiah 29:7 ESV
“But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”

We see it as strange that God would ask His people to seek the welfare of their captors and pray for them. But God had hand picked their captors and He did bless Israel in Babylon. Babylon did see a time of great wealth and peace while Israel was in their midst.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:44-45 ESV, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,  so that you may be sons (and daughters) of your Father who is in heaven.” Being Sons and Daughters of God means peace, contentment, and unending love and mercy!