12 Bible Verses About Loving Your Enemies

Written by: Evelyn Johnson
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Bible verses about loving your enemies

Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about loving 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. Luke 6:35 – “But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.”
4. 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.”
5. Proverbs 25:21 – “If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:”
6. Exodus 23:4 – “If thou meet thine enemy’s ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again.”

7. 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.”
8. Matthew 5:46 – “For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?”
9. Proverbs 24:17 – “Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:”
10. Luke 6:32 – “For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.”
11. Romans 12:14 – “Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.”
12. Luke 23:34 – “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.”

What does the bible say about loving your enemies?

The Bible teaches that we should love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us.

It emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and showing kindness to those who may harm us.

By loving our enemies, we are following the example of Jesus Christ, who showed love and compassion even to those who betrayed and crucified him.

Loving our enemies can lead to reconciliation and peace, and it demonstrates our faith in God’s command to love one another as He loves us.

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

1. Matthew 5:38-48 – In this chapter, Jesus teaches his followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them. He explains that loving our enemies is a way to show that we are children of God and to reflect God’s love and mercy to others.

2. Luke 6:27-36 – In this chapter, Jesus teaches his disciples to love their enemies, do good to those who hate them, bless those who curse them, and pray for those who mistreat them. He emphasizes the importance of showing kindness and compassion to all, regardless of how they may treat us.

3. Romans 12:14-21 – In this chapter, the apostle Paul instructs believers to bless those who persecute them, rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep, and not to repay evil for evil. He emphasizes the power of love and forgiveness in overcoming evil and transforming relationships.

These chapters are relevant to loving your enemies because they provide clear guidance and examples from Jesus and the apostles on how to respond to those who may mistreat or harm us. They emphasize the importance of showing love, kindness, and forgiveness to all, even those who may be considered enemies. By following these teachings, believers can demonstrate the transformative power of God’s love and grace in their relationships with others.

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

1. Forgiveness: The concept of forgiveness is closely related to loving your enemies as it involves letting go of anger and resentment towards those who have wronged you. In the Bible, Jesus teaches the importance of forgiving others, even our enemies, as a way to show love and compassion towards them.

2. Compassion: Compassion is another important concept that is related to loving your enemies. Showing compassion towards others, including our enemies, involves understanding their perspective and treating them with kindness and empathy. The Bible emphasizes the importance of showing compassion towards all people, regardless of their actions or beliefs.

3. Humility: Humility is a key virtue that is often associated with loving your enemies. By humbling ourselves and recognizing our own faults and shortcomings, we can approach our enemies with a sense of understanding and grace. The Bible teaches that humility is essential in cultivating a loving and forgiving attitude towards others, even those who may have hurt us.

4. Mercy: The concept of mercy is also closely tied to loving your enemies. Showing mercy towards others involves extending grace and forgiveness, even when it may not be deserved. In the Bible, God is portrayed as a merciful and compassionate God who offers forgiveness and redemption to all, regardless of their actions. By showing mercy towards our enemies, we can emulate God’s love and compassion towards all people.

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.