What Does The Bible Say About Enemies
Enemies are people who oppose us, stand against us, or try to bring harm, and in life, it’s almost certain that we will face people who do not wish us well, who spread rumors, betray us, or even try to tear us down. The Bible teaches us that we should treat our enemies with love, kindness, and forgiveness, even though they may be difficult to love and easy to resent. It’s natural to feel angry or hurt when someone opposes us or does us wrong, but God calls us to a higher standard that goes beyond natural feelings and actions.
When God says to love our enemies, it doesn’t mean we approve of their actions or allow them to hurt us repeatedly, but it means we should respond to them with patience, peace, and compassion rather than with revenge or bitterness. We are also taught to pray for our enemies, asking God to soften their hearts and open their eyes so that they can find peace and healing, just as we desire peace and healing in our own lives. This attitude of love and prayer can actually free us from the chains of anger and bitterness that hold us down and keep us focused on the harm done to us instead of moving forward.
God’s Word also reminds us that, instead of trying to repay evil with evil or fight every battle ourselves, we should trust God to handle those who wrong us. Sometimes, people will come against us because of misunderstandings, jealousy, or simply because they are lost, but God knows what is in their hearts and knows the best way to deal with them. He encourages us to leave the matter in His hands, trusting that He is just and that, in His own time, He will bring things to justice.
When we show love to our enemies and release our hurts to God, we also give others a chance to see God’s love through us, and who knows? Our actions and our willingness to forgive and seek peace may even soften the heart of someone who was once against us. God’s way of dealing with enemies is different from what we see in the world around us, but it is a way that brings true peace, healing, and freedom to our own lives and, possibly, to the lives of others as well.
Love Your Enemies
In the Bible, Jesus teaches us to love our enemies, an instruction that goes against human instinct but reflects the heart of God. Loving our enemies reveals a Christlike spirit and opens the door to true forgiveness and freedom. Here are some powerful Bible verses on loving our enemies.
Matthew 5:44
“I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst.”
Luke 6:27
“To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst.”
Romans 12:20
“Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he’s thirsty, get him a drink.”
Proverbs 25:21-22
“If you see your enemy hungry, go buy him lunch; if he’s thirsty, bring him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness.”
Exodus 23:4-5
“If you come upon your enemy’s ox or donkey that has wandered off, be sure to return it.”
1 Peter 3:9
“That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that’s your job, to bless.”
Praying for Your Enemies
Prayer is a powerful tool that God has given us, even in dealing with our enemies. Praying for those who have wronged us brings healing, peace, and God’s perspective into our lives. Here are some Bible verses on praying for our enemies.
Matthew 5:44
“I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer.”
Luke 6:28
“When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person.”
Job 42:10
“After Job had interceded for his friends, God restored his fortune—and then doubled it!”
Romans 12:14
“Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath.”
Proverbs 24:17
“Don’t laugh when your enemy falls; don’t crow over his collapse.”
1 Timothy 2:1
“Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.”
God’s Protection Against Enemies
In times of trouble, God’s protection surrounds His people, shielding them from harm and delivering them from the hands of their enemies. These verses remind us that God is our refuge and defender against every adversary.
Psalm 23:5
“You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing.”
Psalm 18:3
“I sing to God, the Praise-Lofty, and find myself safe and saved.”
Psalm 27:1
“Light, space, zest—that’s God! So, with him on my side I’m fearless, afraid of no one and nothing.”
Deuteronomy 31:6
“Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you.”
Psalm 121:7-8
“God guards you from every evil; he guards your very life. He guards you when you leave and when you return.”
Isaiah 54:17
“No weapon that can hurt you has ever been forged. Any accuser who takes you to court will be dismissed as a liar.”
Overcoming Evil With Good
The Bible instructs us to overcome evil with good, showing the transformative power of kindness even toward our enemies. These verses encourage us to repay hostility with kindness, reflecting God’s love and mercy in our actions.
Romans 12:21
“Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.”
1 Peter 3:9
“That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless.”
Proverbs 25:21-22
“If you see your enemy hungry, go buy him lunch; if he’s thirsty, bring him a drink.”
Luke 6:35
“I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return.”
Matthew 5:44-45
“I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst.”
Proverbs 24:29
“Don’t say, ‘I’ll do to him what he did to me; I’ll pay him back for what he did.’”
Forgiving Your Enemies
Forgiveness is a powerful act of grace that God calls us to extend even to our enemies. These verses remind us that by forgiving, we release ourselves from bitterness and allow God’s love to flow through us.
Matthew 6:14
“In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others.”
Luke 23:34
“Jesus prayed, ‘Father, forgive them; they don’t know what they’re doing.’”
Colossians 3:13
“Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you.”
Matthew 18:21-22
“At that point Peter got up the nerve to ask, ‘Master, how many times do I forgive a brother or sister who hurts me? Seven?’ Jesus replied, ‘Seven! Hardly. Try seventy times seven.’”
Ephesians 4:32
“Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.”
Mark 11:25
“And when you assume the posture of prayer, remember that it’s not all asking. If you have anything against someone, forgive.”
Trusting God When Facing Enemies
Trusting God during times of opposition helps us remain calm and confident, knowing that He is in control. These Bible verses offer encouragement for putting our trust in God and relying on His faithfulness when dealing with adversaries.
Psalm 56:3-4
“When I get really afraid I come to you in trust. I’m proud to praise God; fearless now, I trust in God.”
Psalm 37:5-6
“Open up before God, keep nothing back; he’ll do whatever needs to be done.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice.”
Isaiah 41:10
“Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength.”
Psalm 118:6-7
“God’s now at my side and I’m not afraid; who would dare lay a hand on me?”
Jeremiah 1:19
“They’ll fight you, but they won’t even scratch you. I’ll back you up every inch of the way.”
God’s Judgment on Enemies
While God calls us to love and forgive, He is also a God of justice who sees all and judges righteously. These verses reassure us that God handles the judgment of our enemies, and we can trust Him to uphold justice.
Romans 12:19
“Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do. I’ll do the judging, says God.”
Psalm 37:9-10
“Before you know it, the wicked will have had it; you’ll stare at his once famous place and—nothing!”
Isaiah 35:4
“Tell fearful souls, ‘Courage! Take heart! God is here, right here, on his way to put things right.’”
Psalm 94:1-2
“God, put an end to evil; avenging God, show your colors! Judge of the earth, take your stand.”
Psalm 140:12-13
“And I know that you, God, are on the side of victims, that you care for the rights of the poor.”
Proverbs 24:17-18
“Don’t laugh when your enemy falls; don’t crow over his collapse. God might see, and become very provoked.”
Christian Quotes About Enemies
“True forgiveness is when you can say, ‘Thank you for that experience,’ even if it came through the hands of your enemies.” — Pastor T.D. Jakes
“Enemies may plan evil against you, but God uses their plans to build you into something better and stronger.” — Joel Osteen
“Love your enemies, not because they deserve it, but because loving them sets you free.” — Joyce Meyer
“God can turn your worst enemies into your greatest blessings if you let Him.” — Rick Warren
“Sometimes, God uses enemies to push us into a new season and bring His purposes to life in our journey.” — Steven Furtick
“Our enemies often become the very vessels that God uses to bring us closer to Himself and reveal His glory.” — Billy Graham
“An enemy’s presence is often a sign that you are moving forward; it is proof that you are on the right track.” — Charles Stanley
“When we choose to pray for our enemies, God changes not only them but also our hearts in the process.” — Lisa Bevere
“Enemies may block a few paths, but they cannot close doors that God has opened for you.” — Jentezen Franklin
“Jesus commanded us to love our enemies because it shows a reflection of God’s perfect love within us.” — John Piper