What does the Bible say about loving difficult people?

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

• Luke 6:27-36

  [27] "But I tell you who hear: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, [28] bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you. [29] To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer also the other; and from him who takes away your cloak, don't withhold your coat also. [30] Give to everyone who asks you, and don't ask him who takes away your goods to give them back again. [31] "As you would like people to do to you, do exactly so to them. [32] If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. [33] If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. [34] If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive back as much. [35] But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil. [36] Therefore be merciful, Even as your Father is also merciful.

• 2 Timothy 2:23-26

  [23] But refuse foolish and ignorant questionings, knowing that they generate strife. [24] The Lord's servant must not quarrel, but be gentle towards all, able to teach, patient, [25] in gentleness correcting those who oppose him: perhaps God may give them repentance leading to a full knowledge of the truth, [26] and they may recover themselves out of the devil's snare, having been taken captive by him to his will.

• Romans 12:9-21

  [9] Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good. [10] In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate one to another; in honor preferring one another; [11] not lagging in diligence; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; [12] rejoicing in hope; enduring in troubles; continuing steadfastly in prayer; [13] contributing to the needs of the saints; given to hospitality. [14] Bless those who persecute you; bless, and don't curse. [15] Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep. [16] Be of the same mind one toward another. Don't set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Don't be wise in your own conceits. [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.

• Matthew 5:46

  For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Don't even the tax collectors do the same?

• 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

  [4] Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud, [5] doesn't behave itself inappropriately, doesn't seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil; [6] doesn't rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; [7] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

• Proverbs 15:1-7

  [1] A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. [2] The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, But the mouth of fools gush out folly. [3] Yahweh's eyes are everywhere, Keeping watch on the evil and the good. [4] A gentle tongue is a tree of life, But deceit in it crushes the spirit. [5] A fool despises his father's correction, But he who heeds reproof shows prudence. [6] In the house of the righteous is much treasure, But the income of the wicked brings trouble. [7] The lips of the wise spread knowledge; Not so with the heart of fools.

• John 15:12

  "This is my commandment, that you love one another, even as I have loved you.

• Matthew 18:15

  "If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother.

• Matthew 5:43-48

  [43] "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy.' [44] But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you, [45] that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. [46] For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Don't even the tax collectors do the same? [47] If you only greet your friends, what more do you do than others? Don't even the tax collectors do the same? [48] Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

• Matthew 21:22

  All things, whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive."

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