Love your enemy bible verse

The Radical Command: The Ultimate Biblical Guide to Loving Your Enemies

Part 1: The Scripture Collection (60 Verses)

I have curated and categorized these verses to cover the direct commands of Jesus, the practical application of kindness to foes, the prohibition of revenge, and the examples set by the Apostles.

The Direct Commands of Jesus

1. Matthew 5:43 – “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’”

2. Matthew 5:44 – “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

3. Matthew 5:45 – “So that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good.”

4. Matthew 5:46 – “For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?”

5. Matthew 5:47 – “And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others?”

6. Luke 6:27 – “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.”

7. Luke 6:28 – “Bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.”

8. Luke 6:29 – “To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also.”

9. Luke 6:30 – “From one who takes away your goods do not demand them back.”

10. Luke 6:31 – “And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.”

11. Luke 6:32 – “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.”

12. Luke 6:33 – “And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you?”

13. Luke 6:34 – “And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you?”

14. Luke 6:35 – “But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great.”

15. Luke 6:36 – “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.”

The Apostolic Teaching (Paul & Peter)

16. Romans 12:14 – “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”

17. Romans 12:17 – “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.”

18. Romans 12:18 – “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”

19. Romans 12:19 – “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God.”

20. Romans 12:20 – “To the contrary, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.'”

21. Romans 12:21 – “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

22. 1 Thessalonians 5:15 – “See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.”

23. 1 Peter 3:9 – “Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called.”

24. 1 Corinthians 4:12 – “When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure.”

25. 1 Corinthians 4:13 – “When slandered, we entreat.”

26. Galatians 5:15 – “But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.”

27. Ephesians 4:31 – “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.”

28. Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

29. 2 Timothy 2:24 – “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone… patiently enduring evil.”

30. 2 Timothy 2:25 – “Correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance.”

Old Testament Wisdom on Enemies

31. Proverbs 25:21 – “If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.”

32. Proverbs 25:22 – “For you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.”

33. Proverbs 24:17 – “Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles.”

34. Proverbs 24:29 – “Do not say, ‘I will do to him as he has done to me; I will pay the man back for what he has done.'”

35. Proverbs 20:22 – “Do not say, ‘I will repay evil’; wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you.”

36. Exodus 23:4 – “If you meet your enemy’s ox or his donkey going astray, you shall bring it back to him.”

37. Exodus 23:5 – “If you see the donkey of one who hates you lying down under its burden, you shall refrain from leaving him with it; you shall rescue it with him.”

38. Leviticus 19:17 – “You shall not hate your brother in your heart.”

39. Leviticus 19:18 – “You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge… but you shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

40. Job 31:29 – “If I have rejoiced at the ruin of him who hated me, or exulted when evil overtook him…”

41. Psalm 7:4 – “If I have repaid my friend with evil or plundered my enemy without cause…”

42. Psalm 35:12-13 – “They repay me evil for good… But as for me, when they were sick, I wore sackcloth.”

43. Proverbs 16:7 – “When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”

44. 1 Samuel 24:17 – “You are more righteous than I, for you have repaid me good, whereas I have repaid you evil.” (Saul to David).

The Ultimate Example (The Cross)

45. Romans 5:8 – “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

46. Romans 5:10 – “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son…”

47. Colossians 1:21 – “And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds…”

48. Luke 23:34 – “And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.'”

49. Acts 7:60 – “And falling to his knees he [Stephen] cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.'”

50. 1 Peter 2:23 – “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten.”

Forgiveness & Peace

51. Colossians 3:13 – “Forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”

52. Matthew 6:14 – “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”

53. Matthew 6:15 – “But if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

54. Mark 11:25 – “And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone.”

55. Matthew 18:21-22 – “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.”

56. James 3:17 – “But the wisdom from above is… peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy.”

57. James 3:18 – “And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”

58. Hebrews 12:14 – “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”

59. 1 John 4:20 – “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar.”

60. Proverbs 19:11 – “Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.”

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Part 2: Top 25 Forum Q&A (Real Believer Struggles)

I have analyzed the most active discussions on r/Christianity, GotQuestions, and Christian Ethics forums regarding the difficulty of loving enemies.

1. Q: Does “Love your enemy” mean I have to stay in an abusive relationship? A: Absolutely not. Loving an enemy means seeking their highest good (redemption) and refusing revenge. It does not mean allowing them to destroy you. Safety is biblical. Sometimes the most loving thing you can do is set a boundary that prevents them from sinning against you further.

2. Q: How can I love someone I don’t even like? A: Love (Agape) is a command to act, not a command to feel emotion. You can treat someone with dignity, pray for them, and help them in a crisis (feed them) without liking their personality or trusting them.

3. Q: Is it a sin to report a crime committed against me? A: No. Romans 13 establishes the government to execute justice. Reporting a crime prevents the person from hurting others, which is an act of love for the community. You can forgive the sinner personally while letting the law handle the consequences.

4. Q: What does “heap burning coals on his head” mean? A: It is not a way to torture them! It means that your unexpected kindness will cause their conscience to burn with shame, hopefully leading them to repentance. It melts their hardness.

5. Q: Why does God command this? It feels unfair. A: It is unfair. But the Gospel is unfair—we get grace we don’t deserve. We love enemies because we were God’s enemies (Romans 5:10), and He loved us. We are simply passing on the treatment we received.

6. Q: Can I pray for justice against my enemies? A: Yes, the “Imprecatory Psalms” do this. However, Jesus calls us to a higher standard of praying for their salvation. It is better to pray that God breaks their heart with repentance than to pray for their destruction.

7. Q: What if I try to be nice and they still hate me? A: Romans 12:18 says, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably.” You are responsible for your output, not their intake. If they reject your peace, you are free before God.

8. Q: How do I forgive if they never apologize? A: Forgiveness is for your freedom, not theirs. You release the debt to God (Romans 12:19) so that bitterness doesn’t rot your soul. You don’t need their apology to obey God.

9. Q: Does “turning the other cheek” mean I can’t defend myself? A: Most theologians agree this refers to insults (a backhanded slap), not life-threatening violence. Christians can protect themselves and their families, but we do not retaliate against insults or petty offenses.

10. Q: Is it okay to block someone on social media? A: Yes. If someone is a source of constant toxicity or temptation, blocking them is a form of “guarding your heart” (Proverbs 4:23). You can forgive them without consuming their content.

11. Q: How do I pray for someone who hurt my child? A: This is the hardest prayer. Start honestly: “Lord, I hate what they did. But I ask You to deal with them. I release my right to vengeance to You.”

12. Q: Is ignoring someone the same as hating them? A: If it is done to punish them (the silent treatment), yes. If it is done to create space for healing and safety, no. Motive matters.

13. Q: Can I love my enemy from a distance? A: Yes. Reconciliation requires two people; love only requires one. You can wish them well and pray for them from a safe distance.

14. Q: What if my “enemy” is a family member? A: This is common. Love them by refusing to engage in their drama, speaking truth in love, and serving them when possible, but maintain boundaries to protect your own nuclear family.

15. Q: How do I stop replaying the argument in my head? A: That is “ruminating.” Replace the replay with a prayer. Every time the thought comes, say, “I bless them in Jesus’ name,” and move on.

16. Q: Does loving enemies mean I approve of their sin? A: No. Jesus ate with sinners but told them to “go and sin no more.” You can treat a person with value without affirming their lifestyle or choices.

17. Q: What is the “Extra Mile”? A: Roman soldiers could force Jews to carry gear for one mile. Jesus said go two. It turns an act of oppression into an act of sovereign service. It takes the power back.

18. Q: Why do Christians get involved in wars if we love enemies? A: This is the “Just War” debate. Many believe the government bears the sword to protect the innocent (Rom 13), while the individual is called to interpersonal peace.

19. Q: How do I handle a toxic boss? A: Work as “unto the Lord” (Col 3:23). Respect their position even if you can’t respect their character. Do not gossip about them.

20. Q: What if I’m the enemy in someone else’s story? A: Humble yourself. “If you remember your brother has something against you… go and be reconciled” (Matt 5:23). Apologize without excuses.

21. Q: Does loving enemies show weakness? A: No, it requires immense strength. It takes more power to control your temper than to unleash it. Meekness is “power under control.”

22. Q: How do I teach my kids to handle bullies? A: Teach them to stand firm but not return evil for evil. Help them see the bully as someone who is likely hurting.

23. Q: Is it wrong to feel angry at injustice? A: No. Anger at sin is righteous. But “do not let the sun go down on your anger” (Eph 4:26). Don’t let it fester into hatred of the person.

24. Q: Can I set boundaries and still love? A: Boundaries are love. They define what is acceptable behavior, which helps the relationship survive.

25. Q: What is the reward for loving enemies? A: You become “sons of your Father” (Matt 5:45). You reflect the family likeness of God.

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Part 3: 15 Actionable Tips for Daily Application

At Work & Career

1. The “Credit” Giver: If a rival colleague does good work, publicly praise them. It kills envy in your heart and confuses their animosity.

2. The Coffee Offering: Buy coffee for the coworker who annoys you most. “If your enemy is thirsty, give him a drink” (Rom 12:20).

3. Refuse to Gossip: When people trash the boss or a difficult employee, be the one who stays silent or changes the subject.

4. Pray Before Meetings: Before meeting with a difficult client, pray for their blessing and peace for 30 seconds.

In Studies (School/University)

5. The Group Project: If a partner slacks off, do the work with excellence anyway. Don’t trash them to the professor unless necessary. Serve them.

6. The Loner: Sit with the person everyone else ignores or mocks. Jesus touched the leper; you can sit with the outcast.

7. Respectful Debate: In class, attack the argument, never the person. Treat ideological opponents with dignity.

Social Life & Relationships

8. The “Blessing” Text: If you have tension with a friend, send a text: “I know things are tough, but I’m praying for you today.”

9. De-escalate: When someone insults you online, do not reply. Or reply with kindness. “A soft answer turns away wrath” (Prov 15:1).

10. The First Move: Don’t wait for them to apologize. Be the first to say “hi” in the hallway. Break the ice.

Family & Home

11. The In-Law Strategy: If extended family is critical, kill them with kindness. Serve them the best food. Compliment them.

12. Spousal Grace: When your spouse acts like an enemy (fights), treat them like a friend. Make them coffee anyway.

13. No Badmouthing: Never talk bad about your ex-spouse to your children. Honor them for the kids’ sake.

14. Prayer List: Add the person who hurt you to your daily prayer list. Pray for their health and salvation.

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Part 4: Bonus – Life Improvement via the “Jesus Method”

How loving your enemies upgrades your life quality, finances, and family.

• Mental Health (The Antidote to Anxiety): Holding a grudge raises cortisol (stress). Forgiving and loving enemies releases the burden of judgment. You sleep better when you aren’t plotting revenge.

• Career & Finance (The Promotion Protocol): In business, “loving your enemy” looks like excellent customer service to rude clients. This disarms them and often turns critics into loyal fans. Being the person who remains calm and kind under pressure makes you promotable.

• Marriage (The Covenant Glue): Every spouse acts like an “enemy” occasionally. If you apply Matthew 5:44 to marriage, you stop the cycle of retaliation (“You hurt me, so I hurt you”). This creates a safe, divorce-proof environment.

• Parenting (The Legacy): Kids mimic how you treat people who mistreat you. If you scream at the driver who cuts you off, you teach rage. If you pray for them, you teach resilience and self-control.