True love is often misunderstood in today’s world, but the Bible gives us a picture of love that is far deeper than fleeting feelings or human preferences. One of the most radical teachings of Jesus Christ is His command to love your enemies. This type of love goe against human instinct, which often seeks revenge, bitterness, or avoidance. Yet, in Scripture, we are reminded that true love flows from God and is demonstrated even toward those who oppose us.
Loving our adversaries does not entail disregarding the rule of law or putting up with injustice. It entails reacting to hate or retribution with compassion, forgiveness, and prayer instead. When Jesus pleaded for His persecutors on the cross, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do,” He exemplified this truth. Such love is supernatural, requiring the Spirit of God to operate within us and surpassing human comprehension.
God’s Word exhorts us to overcome resentment and live in a way that is distinct from the world’s norms throughout both the Old and New Testaments. We emulate Christ and become living examples of God’s mercy when we are compassionate toward those who abuse us. One of the most authentic indications of discipleship is the unmistakable mandate from our Savior to love our enemies.
We’ll look at 35 strong Bible verses regarding loving your enemy in this post. God’s desire for forgiveness, grace, and reconciliation is revealed in every text. May you be moved to forgive, to let go of grudges, and to embrace the radical love that only Christ can offer as you reflect on these verses. We fulfill God’s highest purpose for our lives when we walk in true love, even when it is not easy.
35 Powerful Bible Verses About Love Your Enemy in 2025
1. Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Jesus’ words here are direct and life-changing. Instead of harboring resentment, He commands us to love and pray for those who oppose us. Prayer transforms our hearts, softening bitterness and opening doors for reconciliation. Loving enemies is not about condoning their actions but reflecting God’s mercy. This verse challenges us to go beyond natural reactions and embrace divine love, which has the power to turn hatred into healing.
2. Luke 6:27
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.”
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes action-driven love. True love is not passive; it is expressed through kindness even toward those who despise us. Doing good to enemies disarms hostility and demonstrates God’s character through us. It shifts the focus from retaliation to redemption. By living this out, we become witnesses of Christ’s unconditional love, proving that hatred can be overcome through obedience to God’s command to love.
3. Luke 6:35
“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back.”
This verse highlights sacrificial love—giving without expecting repayment. When we love enemies generously, we mirror God’s grace toward us, since He loved us while we were still sinners. Loving without expectation frees us from bitterness and teaches us to rely on God for reward rather than human response. True love is selfless, and this Scripture calls us to embody it even toward those least deserving in our eyes.
4. Romans 12:14
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”
Paul encourages believers to respond to persecution with blessing instead of retaliation. This teaching shows the heart of the gospel—responding to hatred with kindness. To bless someone means to speak well of them, pray for them, and wish them good. When we bless our enemies, we overcome evil with good and reveal the transforming power of Christ’s love, which shines brightest when displayed in difficult and unjust situations.
5. Romans 12:17
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.”
This verse challenges believers to break the cycle of revenge. Instead of responding to evil with more evil, Christians are called to live with integrity and goodness. Doing what is right reflects God’s justice and love. It is not weakness but strength to resist retaliation. Through this command, Paul reminds us that love is stronger than hate and that God’s people should be examples of peace and righteousness.
6. Romans 12:20
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.”
Paul quotes Proverbs here, urging believers to respond to enemies with compassion. Meeting the physical needs of those who oppose us shows a radical form of love that reflects God’s mercy. This kind of love disarms hostility and convicts hearts more than revenge ever could. By caring for our enemies, we demonstrate God’s kindness, which has the power to lead even the hardest hearts toward repentance and reconciliation.
7. Proverbs 25:21
“If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.”
This Old Testament wisdom reinforces the same principle taught in the New Testament: love is practical. Providing for an enemy’s needs demonstrates mercy and shifts the relationship from hostility to compassion. God calls His people to be givers of kindness, even to those who oppose them. When we show generosity to enemies, we reflect His character and open the possibility for peace where division once thrived.
8. 1 Peter 3:9
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing.”
Peter encourages believers to respond to hostility with grace. The natural instinct is to lash back when insulted, but true love chooses blessing instead of retaliation. By blessing instead of cursing, we walk in Christ’s footsteps and show the world a love that is not dependent on fairness. This radical response reveals the depth of God’s love within us and invites others to encounter His transforming power.
9. Matthew 5:39
“But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.”
This teaching from Jesus is one of the most challenging in Scripture. It calls for humility, patience, and surrendering the desire for personal revenge. Turning the other cheek does not mean ignoring injustice but responding in a way that disarms violence. This radical love points people to Christ, who endured suffering without retaliation. It demonstrates that true strength is not in vengeance but in walking in the love of God.
10. Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.”
Forgiveness is at the core of loving our enemies. Paul reminds the church to forgive as Christ forgave them. This means letting go of grudges and bitterness, even when wronged. True love is demonstrated in extending mercy freely, just as we have received mercy from God. By forgiving enemies, we break the chains of resentment and walk in the freedom and peace that come from Christ’s example of unconditional love.
11. Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
This verse reminds us that forgiveness is modeled after Christ’s mercy toward us. Showing kindness and compassion, even to those who hurt us, reflects the heart of God. Forgiving enemies doesn’t excuse their actions but frees us from bitterness and allows us to walk in peace. True love is compassionate, and when we extend it, we mirror the forgiveness we ourselves have received in Christ.
12. Matthew 5:46
“If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?”
Jesus challenges believers to a higher standard of love. Loving those who love us is easy, but true love is proven when we extend it to enemies. This radical love sets followers of Christ apart from the world. It is not about what is deserved but about reflecting God’s nature, who loves unconditionally. By loving our enemies, we show the world the difference that Christ’s love makes.
13. Luke 23:34
“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’”
At the cross, Jesus embodied the ultimate example of loving His enemies. Despite the cruelty of His executioners, He prayed for their forgiveness. This act of mercy reveals the depth of God’s love and the standard to which we are called. Loving enemies is not easy, but Christ demonstrated it even in His suffering. His prayer teaches us to forgive with compassion, even when the wounds are deep.
14. 1 John 4:20
“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar.”
John confronts hypocrisy by linking our love for God to our love for others, including those difficult to love. Hatred contradicts genuine faith. If we truly know God, His love must flow through us, even toward enemies. This verse challenges us to examine our hearts and align our actions with God’s command. Loving others is not optional—it is evidence that God’s love abides in us.
15. Proverbs 24:17
“Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice.”
Human nature often celebrates when enemies face trouble, but God’s Word instructs us otherwise. Rejoicing in someone else’s downfall reveals bitterness rather than love. Instead, we are called to respond with humility and compassion, even when justice is served. This verse reminds us that God desires mercy over gloating. True love seeks restoration, not satisfaction in another’s suffering, reflecting God’s heart for reconciliation rather than revenge.
16. 1 Corinthians 13:5
“Love… keeps no record of wrongs.”
Paul’s description of love in 1 Corinthians 13 challenges us to let go of grudges. True love does not keep a tally of offenses but forgives freely. This applies not only to friends but also to enemies. When we release the record of wrongs, we disarm resentment and reflect the love of Christ. By practicing forgiveness, we show a love that is enduring, patient, and rooted in God’s grace.
17. Exodus 23:4
“If you come across your enemy’s ox or donkey wandering off, be sure to return it.”
Even in the Old Testament law, God commanded practical compassion toward enemies. Returning an enemy’s lost property demonstrates integrity, kindness, and a heart for peace. Acts of love in simple, tangible ways reveal God’s justice and mercy. This verse shows that loving our enemies is not only a New Testament principle but has always been part of God’s character and His call for His people.
18. Job 31:29
“If I have rejoiced at my enemy’s misfortune or gloated over the trouble that came to him…”
Job reflects on his innocence by stating that he never delighted in an enemy’s suffering. His example teaches us the heart posture God desires—compassion, not pride, when others face hardship. Rejoicing in another’s pain only reveals bitterness, but choosing empathy shows maturity in faith. True love seeks the good of others, even adversaries, and aligns our hearts with God’s call to mercy and forgiveness.
19. Proverbs 20:22
“Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.”
This verse teaches us to release vengeance into God’s hands. Retaliation often deepens wounds, but waiting on the Lord brings justice in His perfect timing. Loving our enemies means resisting the urge to repay harm and instead trusting God’s sovereignty. By refusing to take revenge, we reflect Christ’s humility and allow God’s justice to prevail. True love is patient and trusts the Lord to make things right.
20. Leviticus 19:18
“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself.”
This command, central to God’s law, echoes throughout Scripture. Revenge and grudges poison the heart, but love brings healing and peace. Loving others as ourselves—even those who have wronged us—fulfills God’s desire for His people. This verse reminds us that true love is active, forgiving, and selfless. It is the foundation upon which Jesus built His teaching to love both neighbors and enemies alike.
21. Psalm 109:4
“In return for my friendship they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer.”
David describes being betrayed by those he tried to love, yet he responds not with revenge but with prayer. This verse reminds us that when enemies rise against us, our greatest weapon is prayer. Instead of lashing out, we are called to lift the situation before God. True love responds with intercession, entrusting justice to the Lord while keeping our hearts pure through prayerful dependence on Him.
22. Matthew 5:7
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
Mercy is central to loving our enemies. Jesus promises blessings to those who extend compassion, even when wronged. Being merciful means forgiving freely, releasing bitterness, and choosing kindness instead of vengeance. This attitude not only reflects God’s heart but also invites His mercy into our lives. When we show mercy to our enemies, we align with Christ’s teaching and embody the love that changes hearts and situations.
23. Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Jesus calls peacemakers blessed, for they reflect the character of their Father in heaven. Loving enemies often involves choosing peace over strife. This means reconciling instead of escalating conflict and seeking understanding over division. True love builds bridges where hostility once stood. When we strive for peace with those who oppose us, we bear witness to God’s kingdom and prove that we are His children.
24. Romans 5:10
“For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son…”
Paul reminds us that before salvation, we were enemies of God, yet Christ died for us. This truth shapes how we treat our enemies—with the same grace we’ve received. God’s love extended reconciliation when we least deserved it. If He forgave us while we were His enemies, we must extend forgiveness to others. This verse grounds our love for enemies in the example of Christ’s sacrificial love.
25. James 2:13
“Because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
James teaches that mercy always outweighs judgment. Holding grudges and seeking revenge only harden our hearts, but showing mercy reflects God’s heart. Loving our enemies requires choosing compassion over condemnation. This verse reminds us that the way we treat others mirrors how God deals with us. When mercy triumphs in our lives, we reflect Christ’s love and open the door for healing and restoration.
26. Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Responding gently to hostility is a powerful act of love. While anger escalates conflict, soft words disarm tension and open paths to peace. Loving enemies often begins with controlling our responses, choosing gentleness over harshness. This verse highlights the wisdom of kindness in speech. When we answer with grace, we reflect God’s love and demonstrate that His Spirit rules over our natural impulses.
27. Romans 12:21
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Paul’s words provide a summary of loving our enemies. Evil grows when we respond with more evil, but goodness has the power to break cycles of hatred. Overcoming with good means forgiving, showing kindness, and serving others—even adversaries. This love is not weakness but strength rooted in God. By responding with goodness, we reveal the victory of Christ’s love over the forces of darkness.
28. 1 Thessalonians 5:15
“Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.”
Paul urges believers to reject retaliation and actively pursue goodness. True love seeks the well-being of all, including enemies. Striving for good means taking intentional steps toward kindness and peace, even when mistreated. This verse calls us to rise above bitterness and to reflect the love of Christ in every relationship. By doing good to all, we bring light into a world marked by conflict.
29. Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Loving enemies can be exhausting, but Paul encourages persistence in doing good. True love requires endurance, even when results are not immediate. God promises that a harvest of blessing will come to those who remain faithful. By continuing to love and forgive, even in difficult situations, we reflect God’s steadfast love. This verse reminds us that perseverance in goodness brings eternal rewards from the Lord.
30. Philippians 2:4
“Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Selflessness is a mark of true love. Paul instructs believers to prioritize the needs of others, including those who may oppose us. Loving enemies requires humility, setting aside pride and selfish desires to serve others. By considering the interests of others above our own, we reflect Christ’s sacrificial nature. This verse challenges us to love beyond convenience, embracing the call to selfless compassion in every relationship.
31. Micah 6:8
“To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
This well-known verse sums up God’s desire for His people. Loving enemies requires justice, mercy, and humility. Acting justly means treating others with fairness, while mercy requires compassion even when wronged. Walking humbly keeps us reliant on God’s strength. Together, these qualities form the foundation of true love. This verse calls us to live differently, reflecting God’s kingdom values in how we treat both friends and enemies.
32. Hebrews 12:14
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy.”
The writer of Hebrews calls believers to pursue peace with all, even those who oppose them. Loving enemies is not passive; it requires effort and intentionality. Holiness and peace go hand in hand because love is the fruit of a life surrendered to God. This verse challenges us to be peacemakers in every situation, proving that true love flows from a holy and God-centered life.
33. Titus 3:2
“To slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.”
Paul instructs believers to treat everyone with respect and gentleness, including enemies. Love is displayed in the way we speak and act. Avoiding slander, pursuing peace, and showing gentleness reveal a transformed heart. True love is not selective but extends to all people. This verse reminds us that our testimony is often seen in how we treat adversaries—with kindness, humility, and Christlike compassion.
34. Ecclesiastes 7:9
“Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.”
This verse warns against quick anger, which often fuels conflict with enemies. Loving our enemies requires patience and self-control, refusing to let anger dominate our hearts. Anger leads to foolishness, but love chooses wisdom, peace, and forgiveness. By resisting provocation, we reflect maturity in Christ and avoid the traps of hostility. True love is not reactive but rooted in God’s Spirit, who gives us power over anger.
35. John 13:34
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
Jesus’ command to love others as He has loved us sets the highest standard. His love was sacrificial, unconditional, and extended even to enemies. As followers of Christ, we are called to embody this same love in every relationship. Loving others, even when undeserved, reflects the heart of the gospel. This verse reminds us that true love is not optional—it is a command from our Savior.
Conclusion
One of the hardest instructions in the Bible is to love our adversaries, yet it is also one of the most obvious examples of God’s transformational power. The human heart is prone to hatred, resentment, and retaliation, but Christ challenges us to something more. We show the love that God has so abundantly poured into our lives through Jesus Christ by making the decision to be kind, forgiving, and merciful.
True love is not just for people who treat us well, as these 35 potent Bible scriptures teach us. Rather, it encompasses people who disagree with us, disparage us, and even harass us. In addition to obeying Christ, loving our enemies reveals His nature to a world in dire need of salvation. We need the presence of God’s Spirit within us in order to be able to love like this.
May you discover the strength to walk in love even toward those who have wronged you, the grace to forgive, and the bravery to let go of grudges as you reflect on these scriptures. Keep in mind that loving your adversaries does not imply disregarding justice; rather, it means putting your faith in God. By doing this, you live as an example of Christ’s unending mercy and grace, embracing His heart, which loved us even when we were still His enemies.
