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What Does the Bible Say About Enemies?

Scripture reveals that God calls His people to respond to enemies with love and prayer, not retaliation, because He is sovereign over all outcomes.

Scripture on Enemies

Matthew 5:43-44 New Testament
"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."
Romans 12:20-21 New Testament
"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. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
Proverbs 24:29 Old Testament
"Do not say, 'I'll do to him as he has done to me; I'll pay that man back for what he did.'"
1 Peter 3:9 New Testament
"Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing."
Psalm 27:10 Old Testament
"Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me."
The Bottom Line
Your enemies are never outside God's reach, and your job is mercy, not vengeance.
Try Today

Name one person who has hurt you and pray for their good specifically — not vague prayers, but for something real they actually need.

Prayer

Jesus said, 'But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you' (Matthew 5:44) — and He invites you to bring that struggle to the Father.

Father, I confess I want revenge more than I want Your kingdom. I hold anger toward someone who has genuinely hurt me, and I don't want to let it go. You see that. You see the wound. But You also see what I cannot — the end of this story, and how You can work through forgiveness in ways I can't imagine. Help me believe that. Give me the supernatural love to pray for this person's good, not their punishment. Make me an instrument of Your mercy instead of my own justice. I surrender my right to payback. In Jesus' name, Amen.

📚 Read Matthew 5:38-48

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