30 Bible Verses About Loving Your Enemies
There are many Bible verses about loving your enemies, reading which we get the knowledge that it is very important to forgive our brothers and friends as well as to forgive our enemies. Not only our closest relatives and friends deserve to love, but our enemies are also entitled to our love. These Bible verses clearly state that God forgives and loves only those who know how to forgive and love people. The Bible verses mentioned below guide us on how to love our enemies. In addition, there are many figures in the Bible whose lives give us similar teachings. I:e Stephen, David, Joseph, Paul, Moses, Peter, Jesus, Samuel and Elisha.
Show Kindness And Love to Enemies
Verse#1
“If you come across your enemy’s ox or donkey wandering off, be sure to return it. If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen down under its load, do not leave it there; be sure you help them with it.”
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
Exodus 23:4-5
Explanation
In this verse, God instructs the people through Moses and says that if he sees the enemy’s donkey stuck somewhere or crushed under a load, then he should save it and help his enemy. If the enemy’s donkey or ox is lost, then find it and return it to the enemy. From this verse, we have been advised that even in difficult times, the enemy should not be left alone, but should show love and compassion to him.
Verse#2
“If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.”
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
Proverbs 25:21-22
Explanation
In this verse, Solomon says that we should treat the enemy with love and compassion. If he is hungry and thirsty, he should be fed and drunk. God will reward us for this action. Apart from this, the heart of the enemy will also become soft.
Verse#3
“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.”
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
Leviticus 19:18
Explanation
In this verse, God tells the people through Moses that they should never take revenge. If people do something wrong to you, forgive them and do not take revenge. Love others as we love ourselves.
Verse#4
“May the Lord judge between you and me. And may the Lord avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you. As the old saying goes, ‘From evildoers come evil deeds,’ so my hand will not touch you.”
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
1 Samuel 24:12-13
Explanation
Saul was the first king of Israel and David became the second king of Israel, there were some disputes between them. Instead of taking revenge on Saul, David left the matter to God and said that God will decide our case but I will not do anything with you.
Verse#5
“Do not kill them,” he answered. “Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them so that they may eat and drink and then go back to their master.”
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
2 Kings 6:22
Explanation
In this verse, Elisha instructs the people and says that the people who came as prisoners in the war should not be killed, but should be pardoned and fed and sent back to their owners.
Verse#6
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,”
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Matthew 5:44
Explanation
In this verse, Jesus says that we should love our enemies and not take revenge on them. In this verse Jesus advises us that we should pray for our enemies and show love.
Verse#7
“On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Romans 12:20-21
Explanation
In this verse, Paul exhorts us to treat our enemies with love. If they are hungry, they should be fed, if they are thirsty, they should be given water. They should be treated well because we can erase evil only with good. Evil cannot be removed by evil.
Verse#8
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Luke 6:27-28
Explanation
In this verse, Jesus advises that one should love one’s enemies and treat them well. Instead of cursing them, they should be prayed for. Jesus says that we should seek God’s blessing for our enemies and not hold hatred in our hearts for them.
Verse#9
“For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!”
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Romans 5:10
Explanation
In this verse, Paul says that through Jesus, God saved those who had committed many sins. These sinful people were enemies of God, but still God saved them through the death of Jesus.
Verse#10
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
Book
New-Testament
Reference
1 Peter 3:9
Explanation
In this verse, Peter says that we should not return evil for evil, nor insult for insult , but we should show love and bless. If we do this, then God will shower us with His blessings.
Significance of Forgiving Enemies
Verse#11
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
Proverbs 17:9
Explanation
In this verse, Solomon advises that we should always increase love and eliminate enmity. If we increase and repeat things, friendship will turn into enmity. Therefore, if someone makes a mistake or misbehaves with us, we should forgive and move on.
Verse#12
“If you return to the Lord, then your fellow Israelites and your children will be shown compassion by their captors and will return to this land, for the Lord your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn his face from you if you return to him.”
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
2 Chronicles 30:9
Explanation
This verse states that if we follow God’s commands, God will show mercy to us, brothers and children. In the same way, he will change the hearts of our enemies. Therefore, we should always show love because God commands us to treat everyone with love. And this is God’s promise that He will make everything right because He is merciful and gracious.
Verse#13
“Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.”
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
Micah 7:18
Explanation
In this verse God’s attributes are mentioned. which teach us to adopt these characteristics. As God is forgiving and merciful, He forgives all kinds of sins. He gives priority to mercy over wrath. Therefore, we should also adopt an attitude of forgiveness towards our enemies.
Verse#14
“Say to them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, people of Israel?’’
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
Ezekiel 33:11
Explanation
In this verse, God says that if a wicked person and an enemy dies, God is not pleased. God is pleased if that person turns away from his actions and follows the straight path. It advises us that we should try to bring our enemies to the path of goodness and should have a loving attitude towards them so that their hearts will soften and they will understand.
Verse#15
“‘Do not hate a fellow Israelite in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in their guilt. “‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.”
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
Leviticus 19:17-18
Explanation
In this verse, Moses conveys God’s message to the people and says that we should not hold grudges against our enemies and should not take revenge on them. This verse advises us that we should treat others with love and forgive them.
Verse#16
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Matthew 6:14-15
Explanation
In this verse, Jesus says that God loves those who forgive. Jesus advises that if we forgive our enemies, God will forgive us. If we want to receive God’s blessings, we must bless others. It is essential to forgive others because if we do so, then god will also forgive our sins.
Verse#17
“So watch yourselves. “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Luke 17:3-4
Explanation
In this verse, Jesus says that if a person misbehaves with us and commits a sin but later asks for forgiveness, then he should be forgiven. If the same person sins again and again and abuses us, but later he comes back and asks for forgiveness, then we should forgive him. This verse teaches us to show love and forgive others in all situations.
Verse#18
“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Matthew 18:21-22
Explanation
In this verse, Paul questioned Jesus and asked that if my enemy asks for forgiveness from me, I must forgive him. If he apologizes to me seven times, should I still forgive him? Or how many times should I forgive? So Jesus said, not seven times, but every time he asks you for forgiveness, whether it is 70 times or seven times, you must forgive him.
Verse#19
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Ephesians 4:32
Explanation
In this verse, Paul exhorts us to show compassion, forgiveness, and love to our enemies. Similarly, we should forgive others.
Verse#20
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Colossians 3:13
Explanation
In this verse, Paul advises us to bear and forgive our enemies and show them love. Just as God has forgiven us, we should also forgive them.
Loving Your Enemies And 10 Biblical Personalities
Joseph And His Brothers
Joseph’s brothers were very jealous of him. So, they sold him due to the enmity but Joseph forgave them and showed mercy and love.
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:20)
David And Saul
Saul plotted against David because he was jealous of David. But David didn’t harm him and let him free instead of being killed.
“This day you have seen with your own eyes how the Lord delivered you into my hands in the cave. Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you; I said, ‘I will not lay my hand on my lord, because he is the Lord’s anointed.’ See, my father, look at this piece of your robe in my hand! I cut off the corner of your robe but did not kill you. See that there is nothing in my hand to indicate that I am guilty of wrongdoing or rebellion. I have not wronged you, but you are hunting me down to take my life. May the Lord judge between you and me. And may the Lord avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you.” (1 Samuel 24:10-12)
Jesus And Judas
Judas was very greedy. He became a part in arresting Jesus due to some coins. But Jesus didn’t harm him but showed love and mercy.
“but Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” (Luke 22:48)
Stephen And His Enemies
Stephen was crucified because he was a Christian and spreading Christianity. Stephen prayed for his enemies instead of bad words.
“While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.” (Acts 7:59-60)
Moses And Israelites
Israelites disobeyed God and Moses and started to worship Cattle. Instead of bad words, Moses prayed for their apology from God. This shows the love of Moses for Israelites.
“But now, please forgive their sin—but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written.” (Exodus 32:32)
Jesus on Cross
Jesus was crucified on cross by his enemies but he prayed for them and forgave them.
“Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.” (Luke 23:34)
Job And His Friends
Job was in hardships and his friends doubted him. They said he must be a sinner that’s why God punished him. Instead of their blame he prayed for them and showed love.
“After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.” (Job 42:10)
Samuel And King Saul
Samuel prayed for Saul and showed sadness at his disobedience.
“I regret that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions.” Samuel was angry, and he cried out to the Lord all that night.” (1 Samuel 15:11)
Good Samaritan
The Good Samaritan helped his enemies and showed love and mercy.
“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.” (Luke 10:33-34)
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
These verses advise us that we should love and not take revenge on anyone. God does not want us to take revenge on anyone. God is pleased if we forgive our enemies and treat them with love. By reading these verses we know that God forgives those who forgive others. In short, these verses advise us that we should forgive our brothers as well as our enemies. They should be treated with love.
