Loving your enemies is one of the most challenging yet powerful teachings in the Bible. While human nature often pushes us toward anger, revenge, and resentment, Scripture calls believers to a higher standard, one rooted in grace, forgiveness, and unconditional love. Bible verses about loving your enemies reveal the heart of God and reflect the example of Jesus Christ, who taught compassion even toward those who opposed and persecuted Him.
Throughout the Bible, especially in the teachings of Jesus, believers are encouraged to respond to hatred with kindness, to repay evil with good, and to pray for those who mistreat them. This principle is not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of spiritual maturity, inner strength, and deep faith. Loving your enemies has the power to heal broken relationships, free the heart from bitterness, and promote peace in families, communities, and society at large.
Studying Bible verses about loving your enemies helps believers understand the true meaning of forgiveness and the transformative power of God’s love. Whether you are struggling with hurt, betrayal, conflict, or unforgiveness, these scriptures offer wisdom, encouragement, and practical guidance for living a Christ-centered life that reflects love even in the most difficult circumstances.
Here are 10 Bible verses about loving your enemies
But to you who are listening, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.” -Luke 6:27-31
But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. – Luke 6:35
You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect”. – Matthew 5:43-48
“Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 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. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Romans 12:17-21
Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs. – Proverbs 10:12
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. – Proverbs 3:3-4
“Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.” – Proverbs 20:22
“Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.” – Proverbs 24:17–18.
“If thou meet thine enemy’s ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again. If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him.” – Exodus 23:4–5.
“Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.” – 1 Peter 3:9.
Last modified: January 24, 2026
