Scripture Library: Enemies (Love of)

Biblical Definition of Enemies: foe, adversary, opponent, anguish, sorrow

“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.” ~Matthew 5:43-45

“If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.” ~Proverbs 25:21-22

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

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

“For wicked and deceitful mouths are opened against me, speaking against me with lying tongues. They encircle me with words of hate, and attack me without cause. In return for my love they accuse me, but I give myself to prayer. So they reward me evil for good, and hatred for my love.” ~Psalm 109:2-5

“To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” ~Romans 12:20

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 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, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? …” ~Matthew 5:43-48

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

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

“To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either.” ~Luke 6:29

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” ~Matthew 5:38-39

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