What does the Bible say about loving your enemies?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible commands believers to love their enemies, pray for those who persecute them, and overcome evil with good, reflecting the mercy God has shown us in Christ. Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:43-48 and Luke 6:27-28 that this love extends beyond friends to those who hate, curse, and mistreat us, distinguishing God’s children by their likeness to their heavenly Father. Romans 12:14, 20 calls Christians to bless persecutors and leave vengeance to God, serving enemies rather than repaying wrong. Christ’s prayer for His crucifiers in Luke 23:34 is the supreme pattern. Such love does not deny justice or excuse sin, but entrusts judgment to the Lord and seeks a neighbor’s good.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Matthew 5:44 4 votes
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,
- Matthew 5:43-48 4 votes
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 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, 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. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? If you only greet your friends, what more do you do than others? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
- Luke 6:27 4 votes
“But I tell you who hear: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
- Romans 12:14 3 votes
Bless those who persecute you; bless, and don’t curse.
- Romans 12:20 2 votes
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.”
- Luke 23:34 2 votes
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Dividing his garments among them, they cast lots.
- Luke 6:35 2 votes
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.
- Luke 6:27-28 2 votes
“But I tell you who hear: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you.
- 1 Peter 3:9 2 votes
not rendering evil for evil or insult for insult; but instead blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.
- Leviticus 19:18 2 votes
“‘You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people; but you shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am Yahweh.
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