12 Bible Verses About Forgiving Your Enemies

Written by: Evelyn Johnson
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Bible verses about forgiving your enemies

Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about forgiving your enemies:

1. Matthew 5:44 – “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”
2. Luke 6:27 – “But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,”
3. Romans 12:20 – “Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.”
4. Proverbs 25:21 – “If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:”
5. Ephesians 4:32 – “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
6. Colossians 3:13 – “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”

7. Matthew 6:14 – “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:”
8. Mark 11:25 – “And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
9. Luke 23:34 – “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.”
10. Acts 7:60 – “And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.”
11. 1 Peter 3:9 – “Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.”
12. 1 John 4:20 – “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?”

What does the bible say about forgiving your enemies?

The Bible teaches that forgiveness is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith.

It emphasizes the importance of forgiving others, including enemies, as a way to show love and mercy.

Christians are called to forgive others as God has forgiven them, and to let go of bitterness and resentment.

Forgiveness is seen as a way to release the burden of anger and hatred, and to promote reconciliation and peace.

It is also believed that forgiveness is a way to reflect the grace and forgiveness that God has shown towards humanity.

Overall, the Bible encourages believers to forgive their enemies and to strive for reconciliation and healing in relationships.

What Bible chapters should you read if you want to learn more about forgiving your enemies?

1. Matthew 5:38-48 – In this chapter, Jesus teaches about loving your enemies and praying for those who persecute you. This is relevant to forgiving your enemies because it emphasizes the importance of showing kindness and forgiveness towards those who have wronged you.

2. Luke 6:27-36 – This chapter includes Jesus’ teachings on loving your enemies, doing good to those who hate you, and forgiving others. It emphasizes the need to show mercy and forgiveness, even to those who may not deserve it.

3. Romans 12 – In this chapter, Paul discusses the importance of overcoming evil with good, blessing those who persecute you, and living at peace with everyone. This chapter emphasizes the transformative power of forgiveness and the importance of letting go of anger and resentment towards others.

4. Colossians 3:12-14 – This chapter encourages believers to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving each other. It emphasizes the importance of forgiveness in maintaining unity and peace within the body of Christ.

Reading these chapters can provide valuable insights and guidance on how to forgive your enemies and cultivate a spirit of love and forgiveness towards others, as taught by Jesus and the apostles.

Ideas and concepts related to forgiving your enemies that are also taught or mentioned in the Bible.’

1. Love your enemies: In the Bible, Jesus teaches his followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them. This concept emphasizes the importance of showing compassion and kindness towards those who have wronged us, rather than seeking revenge or holding onto bitterness.

2. Turning the other cheek: This concept, also taught by Jesus, encourages individuals to respond to aggression or mistreatment with patience and non-violence. By turning the other cheek, one demonstrates a willingness to forgive and move past the hurt caused by their enemies.

3. Overcoming evil with good: The Bible teaches that individuals should not repay evil for evil, but instead, overcome evil with good. By responding to hostility or wrongdoing with acts of kindness and forgiveness, one can break the cycle of hatred and promote reconciliation with their enemies.

4. Letting go of anger and resentment: The Bible emphasizes the importance of letting go of anger and resentment towards others, including our enemies. By releasing these negative emotions and choosing to forgive, individuals can experience healing and peace in their relationships.

Overall, these concepts in the Bible emphasize the transformative power of forgiveness and the importance of showing love and compassion towards our enemies. By following these teachings, individuals can cultivate a spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation, ultimately leading to greater peace and harmony in their relationships.

Evelyn Johnson - Bible Verses
Written by Evelyn Johnson


Evelyn Johnson is a theologian, Bible expert, and the founder of EncouragingBibleVerses.org, a trusted resource for uplifting and empowering Bible verses.

With a Master's degree in Divinity, Evelyn is dedicated to studying and interpreting the Bible. Her website features curated collections of verses on various topics, along with insightful commentary and practical tips for everyday life.

Evelyn is also a sought-after speaker and author on matters of faith and spirituality. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and volunteering in her local church and community.

Learn more about her and read her other articles here.