Enemies are integral elements of the human experience, and the Bible provides a wealth of wisdom on how to engage with these figures. The Bible offers spiritual guidance on dealing with hostilities, encouraging love, compassion, forgiveness, and prayer for enemies rather than vengeance or hostility.
What Does the Bible Say about Responding to Enemies?
The Bible establishes an unexpected strategy for dealing with adversaries: the call to love, pray for, and show kindness. According to the Bible, individuals should strive towards peace and love in all their relationships, even those characterized by conflict. Displaying affection for those who may have wronged us encourages spiritual growth, self-improvement, and personal transformation. In this way, the Bible offers a significant challenge, to counter hatred with love and respond to conflict with forgiveness.
Where Does the Bible Advocate for Love over Hatred?
Numerous passages in the Bible emphasize the power and importance of love. It encourages forgiveness of enemies and urges followers to act with kindness and grace, even in the face of hostility or aggression. Hatred only fuels division, and therefore, to truly walk in the path of righteousness, one should counteract hatred with love. This act of loving one’s enemies promotes unity, healing, and reconciliation, as prescribed in the Bible.
Why Is Prayer Important When Dealing with Enemies?
Prayer is a powerful tool recommended by the Bible in handling adversity and hostility. The Bible encourages its followers to pray, not just for themselves and their loved ones, but even for their enemies. By praying for those who persecute or wrong them, believers seek divine intervention to soften hardened hearts and foster peace. Taking conflicts and disagreements to God in prayer can create pathways for resolution, build bridges, and mend broken relationships.
When Should Believers Turn the Other Cheek?
One of the most compelling teachings in the Bible pertaining to enemies is the principle of ‘turning the other cheek’. This concept encourages followers to resist retaliating against aggression, choosing instead to offer a pacifist response as a sign of graciousness and forgiveness. This approach, advanced by the Bible, can lead to peaceful resolutions and diminishing hostilities. While standing firm in truth and righteousness, the Bible urges its followers to choose peace and forgiveness over revenge.
Who Is Our Ultimate Defender According to the Bible?
In the face of hostility and conflict, the Bible assures that God is the ultimate defender. He protects, comforts, and provides justice for His followers. The Bible portrays God as a haven and defender against enemies, and reiterates that His strength is superior to any human opposition. In this regard, the Bible advises believers to trust in God when confronted with animosity and to rely on His power rather than their own.
What Are the Rewards for Loving Our Enemies?
The Bible describes several rewards for those who love their enemies and pray for their persecutors. Besides fostering personal growth, this practice can pave the way for a deep, profound peace that transcends human understanding. This peace is a gift from God to those who choose love over hate, forgiveness over revenge. Additionally, displaying love towards enemies becomes a powerful testimony of God’s love, reflecting His divine nature through human relationships.
Below is the full list of bible verses on enemies (King James Version – KJV). The list is ranked in order of popularity and we hope you find the inspiration you need.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Enemies
Luke 6:27-36
“27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.29 And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also.30 Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.32 For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.33 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.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.36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.”
Related Themes: Forgiveness Morality Prayer Morals
Psalm 109:2-5
“2 For the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the deceitful are opened against me: they have spoken against me with a lying tongue.3 They compassed me about also with words of hatred; and fought against me without a cause.4 For my love they are my adversaries: but I give myself unto prayer.5 And they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love.”
Romans 12:14
“14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.”
Related Themes: Persecution Suffering Cursing Vindictiveness
Proverbs 24:17
“17 Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:”
Related Themes: Unforgiveness Sports Gloating
Deuteronomy 31:6
“6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”
Related Themes: Loneliness Hope Strength Courage Bullying
Psalm 57:6
“6 They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen themselves. Selah.”
Romans 12:20
“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.”
Related Themes: Homelessness Forgiveness Bitterness Resolving Conflict
Matthew 5:43-48
“43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.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;45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”
Related Themes: Bullying Strangers Benevolence Morality Love
Proverbs 16:7
“7 When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.”
Related Themes: Pleasing God Peace Never Give Up Friendship
Psalm 138:7
“7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.”
Related Themes: Protection Persecution
Exodus 14:14
“14 The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”
Related Themes: Frustration Patience Rest Arguing Help
Luke 23:34
“34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.”
Related Themes: Forgiveness Ignorance Reconciliation Bitterness
Psalm 37:1-5
“1 A Psalm of David. Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.”
Related Themes: Envy And Jealousy Envy And Jealousy Trust Nervousness
Psalm 71:10
“10 For mine enemies speak against me; and they that lay wait for my soul take counsel together,”
Exodus 23:22
“22 But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries.”
Related Themes: Obedience
Proverbs 25:21
“21 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:”
Related Themes: Forgiveness Benevolence Letting Go Homelessness
Psalm 40:13-15
“13 Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me: O LORD, make haste to help me.14 Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil.15 Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha.”
Related Themes: Deliverance
Psalm 23:4
“4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”
Related Themes: Loneliness Gold Persecution Life Nervousness
1 Timothy 5:8
“8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”
Related Themes: Money Finances Respecting Your Parents Children Laziness
James 4:4
“4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”
Related Themes: Lust Dating Social Justice Adultery Morality
Psalm 23:1-6
“1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.”
Related Themes: Criticism Gossip Life Hope Omnipotence
Proverbs 25:22
“22 For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.”
Micah 7:5-6
“5 Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom.6 For the son dishonoureth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother, the daughter in law against her mother in law; a man’s enemies are the men of his own house.”
Related Themes: Betrayal Friendship
Matthew 10:34
“34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.”
Exodus 23:20
“20 Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared.”
Related Themes: Angels
Romans 13:4
“4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.”
Related Themes: Justice Retribution Killing Revenge Respecting Your Parents
Ezekiel 25:17
“17 And I will execute great vengeance upon them with furious rebukes; and they shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall lay my vengeance upon them.”
Related Themes: Vengeance Reputation Retribution Strangers
Matthew 5:38-39
“38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.”
Related Themes: Revenge Trespassing Bullying Justice Retribution
Isaiah 54:17
“17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.”
Related Themes: Healing False Accusations Protection Divine Protection
Psalm 34:7-10
“7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.9 O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.”
Related Themes: Angels Protection Fear Nervousness
