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What does the Bible say about enemy?

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The Bible calls believers to resist evil without hatred, to love and forgive enemies, and to entrust justice and protection to God. Jesus commands His people in Luke 6:27 to love enemies and do good to those who oppose them. Romans 12:17-21 forbids personal revenge, urging Christians to overcome evil with good because vengeance belongs to the Lord. James 4:7 and 1 Peter 5:8 teach watchfulness against the devil, resisting him in humble dependence on God. Isaiah 54:17 assures God’s preserving care, while Ephesians 4:32 calls believers to forgive as they have been forgiven in Christ. God’s grace does not deny real conflict; it frees His people to respond faithfully, prayerfully, and with hope in His righteous judgment.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Luke 6:27

    "But I tell you who hear: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,

  • Romans 12:17-21

    [17] Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men. [18] If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. [19] Don't seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God's wrath. For it is written, "Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord." [20] Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head." [21] Don't be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

  • James 4:7

    Be subject therefore to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

  • Isaiah 54:17

    No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of Yahweh, and their righteousness which is of me, says Yahweh.

  • 1 Peter 5:8

    Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

  • Romans 12:19

    Don't seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God's wrath. For it is written, "Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord."

  • 1 John 1:7

    But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.

  • Psalms 9:3-6

    [3] When my enemies turn back, They stumble and perish in your presence. [4] For you have maintained my just cause. You sit on the throne judging righteously. [5] You have rebuked the nations. You have destroyed the wicked. You have blotted out their name forever and ever. [6] The enemy is overtaken by endless ruin. The very memory of the cities which you have overthrown has perished.

  • Ephesians 4:32

    And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.

  • Romans 12:2

    Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.

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