The Bible has a lot to say about how to deal with enemies. Here is an overview of some of the key Bible verses about enemies:
Love Your Enemies
One of the most well-known teachings of Jesus is to love your enemies. This challenging command is found in Matthew 5:43-48 and Luke 6:27-36. Jesus tells his followers to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). He explains that loving only those who love you back is insufficient, because even “tax collectors” and unbelievers do that. Instead, Jesus calls his followers to a higher standard of loving and praying for enemies, so that they may be “children of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:45). The purpose is not just being nice to enemies, but showing God’s gracious love to all.
Similarly, in Luke 6:27-28 Jesus says to “love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you.” He reminds that we should show mercy just as God has shown us mercy, even when we were still sinners and enemies of God (Romans 5:8, 10). So Christians are called to proactively return love and kindness to those who harm them.
Turn the Other Cheek
Along with loving enemies, Jesus instructs his followers not to retaliate against evildoers but instead to “turn the other cheek” (Matthew 5:38-39; Luke 6:29). If someone slaps you on the cheek, don’t hit back but be willing to turn your head and be slapped again. This principle of non-retaliation breaks the cycle of returning evil for evil, and overcomes enemies with love rather than more hostility.
This approach of nonviolent resistance ultimately aims to win over the enemy. As Romans 12:20 says, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Choosing to return good instead of evil causes the enemy to feel shame and softens their heart over time.
Bless Those Who Persecute You
Jesus goes even further to say that we should bless and pray for our persecutors and slanderers (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:28). Rather than curse our enemies, we are to ask God to bless them. The apostle Paul echoes this teaching in Romans 12:14, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”
When the early church was being persecuted, they followed this principle and prayed for God’s blessings on their persecutors rather than seeking revenge (Acts 7:60). Stephen prayed for God to forgive those stoning him to death (Acts 7:60). This reflects the teaching of Jesus to pray for enemies rather than retaliate.
Forgive Your Enemies
Multiple passages in the New Testament teach that Christians should forgive those who wrong them, even enemies. In the Lord’s Prayer Jesus teaches to ask God, “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12). Our forgiveness of others is linked to receiving God’s forgiveness.
Similarly, Colossians 3:13 says, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 also instructs, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” So we are to forgive others because we have been so graciously forgiven by Christ.
Jesus specifically applies this principle of forgiveness to our enemies in Matthew 6:14-15: “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” That is a sobering warning that God’s forgiveness of us is linked to our willingness to forgive even enemies who sin against us.
Overcome Evil with Good
The apostle Paul summarizes much of the New Testament teaching on enemies in Romans 12:17-21. He says to not repay anyone evil for evil (v.17). Do not take revenge but leave that to God’s wrath (v.19). Rather, “overcome evil with good” (v.21). The way to defeat an enemy is not retaliation but returning good for evil until the wrongdoer’s heart softens.
In particular, Romans 12:20 gives the vivid example of feeding and giving drink to hungry and thirsty enemies. Serving enemies in their time of need breaks down hostility and communicates Christ-like grace and care. This biblical strategy aims to win over enemies not through force but through undeserved love.
Pray for Your Enemies
As already highlighted in the teachings of Jesus, the Bible repeatedly instructs believers to pray for enemies: “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse” (Romans 12:14). “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). We are to bring enemies before God in prayer, asking Him to bless them rather than retaliate against them.
Stephen demonstrated this when he prayed, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” as enemies stoned him (Acts 7:60). Not only should we refrain from revenge, but we should intercede before God on behalf of enemies. This displays the sincere love taught by Jesus.
Care for Your Enemy’s Needs
Jesus goes beyond praying for enemies and commands His followers to actively care for the needs of enemies. As already discussed from Romans 12:20, if enemies are hungry or thirsty we should feed and give them drink. Matthew 5:44 likewise says to not only love and pray for enemies but to “do good” to them.
In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus explains that our “neighbor” whom we should love includes those considered enemies (Luke 10:25-37). The Samaritans and Jews were enemies, but Jesus challenges His listeners to emulate the mercy of the Samaritan caring for a Jewish man in need. Caring for enemies displays Christ-like love.
Do Not Repay Evil with Evil
Paul instructs directly in Romans 12:17, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil.” Many other verses condemn taking revenge against any person who harms or wrongs us (Leviticus 19:18; Proverbs 20:22; 24:29; Matthew 5:38-39; Romans 12:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:15; 1 Peter 3:9). God promises to ultimately judge all evil, so we should refrain from taking revenge on enemies.
Jesus commands His followers, “Do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also” (Matthew 5:39). This non-retaliation breaks the cycle of returning evil for evil and overcomes evil with good. We leave justice and vengeance to God.
Walk in Wisdom with Enemies
Although we should not retaliate against enemies, the Bible does not expect us to be naive. Jesus said to be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). So the biblical approach to enemies balances kindness, care, and forgiveness with wisdom and discernment.
For example, Romans 16:19 says, “I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.” We should be innocent by not repaying evil, yet wise by being cautious and discerning to avoid harm from enemies. We can love without being gullible and forgive without being foolish.
Trust God’s Justice and Protection
Rather than obsessing over getting revenge on enemies, the Bible tells us to trust God to ultimately bring justice. Deuteronomy 32:35 declares, “‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” We can leave justice in God’s hands rather than trying to play God ourselves.
Furthermore, we can trust in God’s protection from enemies who seek to harm us. As Psalm 27:1 affirms, “The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear?” And Psalm 23:4 promises that when we walk through the “darkest valley” God is still with us, protecting and comforting. So we do not need to live in fear of what enemies may do.
Be Prepared to Forgive Endlessly
Because of our human tendency toward unforgiveness, Jesus stresses the need to forgive enemies over and over again. When Peter asked if forgiving seven times was sufficient, Jesus replied, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times” (Matthew 18:22). This hyperbole underscores the constant need to actively forgive persecutors and enemies, not holding grudges but freeing them from guilt.
As 1 Corinthians 13:5 explains, godly love “keeps no record of wrongs.” Love does not track offenses against enemies but perpetually releases them. This reflects the boundless forgiveness God offers us in Christ (Ephesians 1:7-8).
Love Can Change Enemies into Friends
One beautiful hope in the biblical approach to enemies is that it can transform hostile relationships. By returning good for evil, forgiving endlessly, and praying for God’s blessings, enemies can become friends. Scripture offers several examples of this.
In the story of David and Saul, David refused to kill his enemy Saul even when he had opportunities (1 Samuel 24, 26). Later, this led to reconciliation when Saul admitted, “You are more righteous than I” (1 Samuel 26:21). David overcame Saul’s hatred with love.
Similarly, the apostle Paul persecuted Christians zealously before his radical conversion (Acts 9:1-19). But instead of holding this against Paul, Ananias forgave him and restored him, and Paul became a foremost missionary. Even persecutors can become partners through the love of Christ.
Avoid Foolish Conflicts
Although Christians should earnestly love enemies, the Bible also warns against needlessly stirring up strife through foolishness. As Proverbs 20:3 explains, “It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.” And Proverbs 26:17 adds, “Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own.” Idiotic quarrels will only breed more enemies.
As much as possible, peace should be pursued with all people: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18). Unnecessary conflict often reflects pride, not love. However, true peace can only be found through Christ.
Put on the Armor of God
While Christians should avoid foolish conflicts, we must recognize there is a real spiritual battle against spiritual enemies. Ephesians 6:10-18 instructs believers to “put on the full armor of God” to stand against evil spirits and forces.
The spiritual armor includes righteousness, truth, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. This armor protects against inflaming conflicts but also enables believers to stand in godly wisdom against real demonic enemies seeking to destroy lives and faith.
So the Bible recognizes earthly enemies but also deeper spiritual warfare against forces of darkness. Wisdom and discernment are needed to know when to turn the other cheek and when to stand firm against evil in Jesus’ strength.
Trust God to Defeat the Ultimate Enemy
While it is sometimes necessary to stand against human or spiritual enemies seeking to destroy, the ultimate enemy is Satan whom God will decisively defeat. The Bible assures that Satan’s doom is sure and calls Christians to persevere in confident hope.
For instance, Romans 16:20 declares, “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” And Revelation 12:11 says believers overcome Satan “by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.” Through Christ’s finished work, Christians can have victory even when opposed by enemies.
Colossians 2:15 affirms “Having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” The cross sealed Satan’s decisive defeat, which will culminate when he is bound and then thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10).
So believers can cling to certain hope that God will completely vanquish His and their supreme enemy. This eternal perspective puts earthly conflicts with human enemies into perspective. Through the cross of Christ, God promises triumph over all evil.
Put Aside Destructive Attitudes Toward Enemies
While it is good to stand firmly against demonic enemies, Scripture warns about harboring ungodly attitudes toward human adversaries. If not overcome through God’s grace, destructive feelings can turn believers into enemies of God.
For instance, James 4:4 warns, “Friendship with the world means enmity against God.” If we start enjoying worldly conflicts and harboring rage like unbelievers, we alienate ourselves from God. Similarly, 1 John 2:11 cautions, “But whoever hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness.” Hatred of any person, even enemies, reflects a heart not fully enlightened by God’s love.
Other destructive attitudes include bitterness (Hebrews 12:15), contempt and pride (Proverbs 6:16-17), jealousy (James 3:14-16), and a vengeful spirit (Leviticus 19:18). These must be put off to effectively love enemies as Christ commands.
Love Fulfills God’s Law
In summary, actively loving enemies fulfills God’s law and aligns our hearts with His will. As Romans 13:8 declares, “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.” Love is the fulfillment of law, not legalistic rule keeping.
Romans 13:10 further explains, “Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” And Galatians 5:14 stresses, “For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” So even if enemies continue harassing and harming us, we fulfill God’s law by loving them.