150 Bible verses to confront hatred and resentment

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

But [Prov. 25:21-25 says], “Feed your enemy if he is hungry; give him something to drink if he is thirsty. For when you do this, it will be [like] heaping burning coals on his head.” [i.e., it can cause him burning shame that can lead to his repentance and ultimate forgiveness].[So], do not be conquered by evil, but [instead] conquer evil by doing good [deeds to people].

So, put away from you all [kinds of] bitterness and anger and wrath and brawling and slander, along with all [kinds of] malice [i.e., bad attitudes],and be kind and compassionate toward one another, forgiving each other, just as God also forgave you [because of your fellowship] in Christ.

Tolerate one another’s [weaknesses] and forgive each other if anyone [of you] has a complaint against someone else. You should forgive people just as the Lord forgave you.

If a person says, “I love God,” yet [in reality] hates his brother, he is a liar. For the person who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot [possibly] love God, whom he has never seen.And this is the [greatest] commandment [See Matt. 2:37-38] we have received from Him: [It requires] that the person who [claims to] love God should also love his brother.

[Note: The following traits should be understood in the context of love for people]. Love is patient [with people], and is kind [to them]; love does not envy [what people are or have]; love does not boast [of being superior to others], it is not arrogant [in dealing with people].[Love] does not act improperly [toward people]; it does not insist on having its own way [at the expense of others]; it is not easily irritated [by others]; it does not keep track of the wrongs [done by others].

Do not repay a wrong action with [another] wrong action, nor abusive [language] with [additional] abuse, but rather be a blessing [to one another]. For the purpose of your being called [by God] was so that you could receive a blessing [from Him eventually].

For if you forgive the wrongs people have done [to you], your heavenly Father will also forgive the wrongs you have done [to Him].But if you do not forgive the wrongs people have done [to you], neither will your Father forgive the wrongs you have done [to Him].

If it is at all possible, as far as your part is concerned, live peacefully with all people.Do not take revenge on someone who has wronged you, but leave it up to God’s wrath [to take care of it], for it is written [Deut. 22:35], “The Lord says, I will pay people back [for doing wrong] because taking revenge belongs to me.”

But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,gentleness and self-control. There can be no law against [practicing] these things.

You people [already] know this [or, “you should know this”], my dearly loved brothers. However, every person should be quick to listen, slow to talk and slow in becoming angry.For the anger of people does not produce what God considers to be right.

“But I tell you people who are listening [to me], love your enemies and do good things to those who hate you.[Ask God’s] blessing on those who curse you; pray for those who treat you spitefully.

If you love your neighbor, you will not do anything wrong to him. So, to love people is the way to fulfill [the requirements of] the law [See Matt. 22:39].

Every person who hates his brother is a murderer [in God’s sight]; and you [surely] know that no murderer has [the hope of] never ending life remaining in his heart.

Above everything else, have a warm love for one another, for such a love keeps many sins from occurring [between you].

Make sure that no one does anything wrong [back] to someone who wrongs him, but always look for something good you can do for one another and for everyone.

No, [suffering any one of these things is not proof that Christ does not love us], for in spite of all these things we have a decisive victory [over life’s difficulties] through [the care shown us by] Christ who loved us.For I am convinced that neither death, nor [the trials of] life, nor [evil] angels, nor [evil] rulers, nor present or future [circumstances], nor [evil] powers,nor [things] above, nor [things] below, nor any [other] created thing will be able to separate us from God’s love [for us], revealed through Christ Jesus our Lord [Note: The idea of this passage is “Regardless of what happens to us, God still loves us”].

Everything you do should be done lovingly.

[Psa. 4:4 says], “Be angry [i.e., at wrongdoing. See Mark 3:5], but do not sin [i.e., by harboring bitterness or retaliation].” Do not allow the sun to go down while you are still provoked.

Finally, brothers, give [careful] thought to these things: Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovable, and whatever is commendable. If it is excellent; if it is praiseworthy; [think about it].

Therefore, everything that you would like people to do to you, do [these things] to them also. For this is [what is required by] the Law of Moses and the prophets.

Loved ones, we should have love for one another, because love comes from [the very nature of] God, and every person who [continually] loves [others] has been [spiritually] conceived by God [See 2:29; 3:9], and knows [he is in fellowship with] God.The person who does not love [others] does not know God [as Savior], for [the very nature of] God is love.

Pay attention to yourselves! “If your brother sins, rebuke him [i.e., show him where he is wrong in hope of effecting a change]; and if he repents [i.e., changes his heart and life], forgive him.And if he sins against you seven times a day and [then] comes to you seven times and says, ‘I repent,’ you should forgive him.”

For while we were still helpless, at [just] the proper time, Christ died for ungodly people.

But the [true] wisdom, which is from [God] above, is first of all pure, then peace-loving, patient and easily persuaded. [It is] full of mercy and produces a crop of good deeds; [it is] impartial [or, unwavering] and sincere.[People who are] peacemakers sow [seeds of] peace and it produces a crop of righteousness [in the lives of others].

[Love] is not glad about the evil [that people do], but is glad about the truth [i.e., the good in their lives].[Love] conceals all [people’s] faults; it believes [the best about] all people; it hopes [for the best in] all people; it endures [ill treatment from] all people.

I am giving you a new commandment: love one another. Also you should love one another in the same way that I have loved you.If you love one another, then everyone will know by [observing] this that you are my disciples.”

Then Peter came and said to Jesus, “Lord, how often must I forgive my brother when he sins against me? As many as seven times?”Jesus replied, “I tell you, not [just] up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven [i.e., a large indefinite number of times].

Therefore, I want the men to pray in every place [i.e., in all worship assemblies. See verses 1-2], lifting up holy hands without being angry or argumentative. [Note: This passage stresses both the physical and spiritual aspects of prayer].

Brothers, if any one of you is overwhelmed by a [particular] sin, those of you who are spiritually minded should [attempt to] restore such a person [to faithfulness]. But do it in a gentle way, being very careful that you yourself do not become tempted [to get involved in any sin].

So, as dearly loved children, you people should [try to] be like God.Live in a loving way, just like Christ loved us and gave Himself up [to die] for us as an offering and fragrant smelling sacrifice to God.

Then Jesus called out, “Father, forgive these people [i.e., the ones responsible for crucifying Him], for they do not know [i.e., realize] what they are doing.” Then the soldiers [See John 19:23] divided Jesus’ clothing among them by gambling for them.

For the person who has shown no mercy will be judged without mercy. [For] mercy wins out over condemnation.

So then, let us pursue such things that produce peace and things that build one another up [spiritually].

Now whomever you forgive [for doing] anything [wrong], I will forgive also. For indeed, whatever I have forgiven, if I have [actually] forgiven anything, has been for your sakes in the sight of Christ. [Note: Paul seems to be saying “Since my forgiveness depends on your forgiveness of the man, I am not sure of my forgiveness because I am not sure of yours”].[I do this] so that Satan cannot take advantage of us, for we are not unaware of his schemes.

I leave you with peace; I give you my peace. I am not giving you peace like the world gives. Do not allow your hearts to be upset or afraid.

Actively seek to live in peace with all people. And be dedicated to God, because no one will see God without this.Look carefully [at how you are living] so that no one falls away from God’s unearned favor, and that no “poisonous plant sprouts up” to cause trouble and corrupt many people [Note: This is an analogy from Deut. 29:16-18 being used as a warning against the evil influence of wicked people],

In your love for your brothers, show tender affection toward one another. Try to outdo one another in showing respect [for each other].

The person who claims to be living in [harmony with] the light [i.e., by obeying God’s truth], and [yet] hates his brother is still [living] in the darkness [of sin].[However], the person who loves his brother continues to live in [harmony with] the light [of God’s truth], and such a person is not the cause of others stumbling [over his example].But the person who hates his brother is in the darkness [of sin] and he lives in [harmony with] that darkness, and he does not know where he is heading, because the darkness [of sin] has blinded his eyes [to his spiritual condition].

You should let the peace given by Christ rule in your hearts, since you people were called [to be at peace] in one body [i.e., the church]; and you should be thankful.

Therefore, you should put out of your lives all malice [i.e., bad attitudes], and all deceit and hypocrisy, and all envy and unwholesome talk.

“Those persons who attempt to make peace [between people] are blessed because they will be called God’s children.

Since we are now made right with God by the blood of Christ [i.e., by His dying on the cross], how much more certain it is that we will be saved from God’s wrath [in the future] by Him!

And whatever you would like people to do to you, do the same thing to them.

Live in a humble, gentle and patient way, showing tolerance [for the weaknesses] of one another out of love [for them].Eagerly try to maintain the unity produced by the Holy Spirit by being bound together in peace.

But now [i.e., since the temporary gifts are to pass away], these three things remain: faith, hope and love; and the most important of them is love.

May God, [the source] of hope, fill you with complete joy and peace as you believe [in Christ], so that you may have an abundance of hope in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Now you people do not need anyone to write to you about loving [your] brothers, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another.For you certainly do practice it toward all the brothers [and sisters] throughout Macedonia. [Note: This was the province in which Thessalonica was located]. Yet we urge you, brothers, to continue doing it more and more.

For [Psalm 39:12 says], “The person who loves [his] life and wants to have happy days, should avoid saying anything bad or deceptive.He should turn away from wrong living and do what is good. He should desire peace and do whatever it takes to maintain it.

My commandment [to you] is this: You should love one another just as I have loved you.

So, you should submit yourselves to God, but oppose the devil, and he will flee from you.

Let [your] love be sincere. Hate whatever is evil. Cling to whatever is good.

For the whole Law of Moses can be fulfilled by [obeying this] one requirement [Lev. 19:18]: “You should love your neighbor the way you love yourself.”But if you [unlovingly] bite and eat one another [i.e., figuratively], be careful that you do not totally consume one another.

Do not allow unwholesome [Note: The Greek word for “unwholesome” is “rotten, diseased”] language to come from your mouth, but only what is helpful for building up those who need it, so that you can impart favor [i.e., benefit] to those who listen [to you].

So, as God’s elect [i.e., His people], holy and dearly loved [by Him], clothe yourselves with a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

“Those persons who show mercy [toward others] are blessed because they will be shown mercy [themselves].

“Do not pass [condemning] judgment [on other people] so that you do not receive such judgment [on yourselves].For the way you judge [other people] is the way you [yourselves] will be judged. And the standard you use [for dealing] with others is the standard that they [and God] will use on you.

[Now] this is the message that you people heard from the beginning [of Christ’s ministry], that we should love one another [See Mark 12:31],

So, whoever you are, you people do not have any excuse for judging people [Note: At this point Paul begins addressing the Jews. See verse 17]. For in a matter where you judge someone else [to be wrong] you [actually] condemn yourselves, because you are practicing the same things [you condemn them for doing].

Do not do anything from rivalry or from empty conceit, but in humility, consider others better than yourselves.Each of you should not look out for your own interests [only], but also for those of other people.

And the man answered Him, [Deut. 6:5], “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind.” And [Lev. 19:18 says], “[You must love] your neighbor just as [you love] yourself.”

No one has [any] greater love than to give up his life for his friends. John 15:14 You people are my friends if you do what I command you to.

There is no [reason for] fear if one [really] loves, but a complete love removes fear [from us] because fear produces punishment [i.e., mental anxiety], and the person who is [always] afraid does not have a complete love.

No one should look out for his own interests [only], but for the interests of others [as well].

Do not owe anything to anyone, except to love one another. For the person who loves others has fulfilled [the requirements of] the law.

And beyond all these things, clothe yourselves with love, which binds these things together in complete [unity].

So then, put away lying and [Zech 8:16], “Each one should speak truthfully with his neighbor,” because we are parts of one another [i.e., in the one body].

When He was spoken to with harsh insults, He did not reply in the same way. When He was made to suffer, He did not threaten [His tormentors], but instead entrusted Himself to God, [whom He knew] would make a righteous judgment [in the matter].

So, I urge you, brothers, because God is so merciful [to us], to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, [fully] dedicated and very pleasing to God. For this is a reasonable [or spiritual] way for you to worship [or serve] Him.And you people must not be conformed to [the values and standards of] this age, but you should become transformed [i.e., changed in attitude and action] by having your mind renewed [i.e., to think in a totally different way]. Then you will be able to determine [and practice] God’s will, the thing that is good, and acceptable and perfect.

Therefore, [continue to] encourage one another, and build each other up [spiritually], just as you are also doing.

But if any one of you lacks wisdom, he should pray to God, who gives to everyone generously and does not begrudge [the person who asks], and it will be given to him.

Finally, brothers, good-bye [or, “be glad”]. Be fully restored [spiritually]. Be comforted [or, “exhort one another”]. Think alike on things. Be at peace among yourselves. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

Loved ones, do not believe [the message of] every spirit [i.e., every person claiming to be a teacher], but test the spirits [i.e., require proof that they and their message are genuine] to see whether they represent God [or not], because many false prophets have begun circulating throughout the world.

So, be careful how you live. Do not live ignorantly, but wisely,making the most of every opportunity, because these days are evil.

And forgive us of the wrongs we have done to others, since we have also forgiven the wrongs done to us.

But when they continued asking Him [about the woman], He stood up and said to them, “That person among you who has never sinned should be the first one to throw a stone at her.”

Do not worry about anything, but in everything, by prayer and [special] petition, along with thanksgivings, you should make your requests known to God.And [when you do], the peace from God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and thoughts [from anxiety] in [fellowship with] Christ Jesus.

But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,

so that there would not be any division in the body [Note: Paul here leaves the analogy of the physical body and makes application to the spiritual body, the church], but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.So, if one part [i.e., one Christian] suffers, then all the parts [i.e., the other Christians] should suffer with it. Or, if one part is honored, all the [other] parts should rejoice with it.

And we should consider how we can stir up one another to love [more] and to perform good deeds.We should not neglect our assembling together [as a church], as some people are in the habit of doing, but we should encourage one another [spiritually], and [do it] all the more [diligently] as you see the day [of judgment] coming closer.

For our struggle is not [actually] against human beings, but against rulers and authorities and leaders of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. [Note: “Heavenly realms” here refers to the struggle against Satanic powers which permeates life around us].

“And if your brother sins against you go and show him where he wronged you, [but] keep it between just the two of you. If he listens to you [i.e., accepts your reasoning and repents], you have won your brother [back].

Be joyful as you hope [i.e., for future blessings]. Persevere in spite of the troubles you experience. Continue steadfastly in prayer.

Above everything else, have a warm love for one another, for such a love keeps many sins from occurring [between you].Extend hospitality to one another without complaining [that you have to].

Here is how we can know what [God’s] genuine love really is: It was [demonstrated by] Jesus laying down His life [on the cross] for us. And [because of that] we [too] should [be willing to] lay down our lives for [the sake of helping] our brothers [and sisters].

Now those of us who are strong [spiritually] should put up with [or, help] the failings of [spiritually] weak people, and not [simply] do what pleases ourselves.

You people should be merciful just like your Father is merciful.

He comforts us [Note: Most commentators view the editorial “us,” “we,” and “our” in this passage as a reference to a tragic personal experience of Paul. See verses 8-11] in all our troubles so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any [kind of] trouble, through the comfort we ourselves have received from Him.

and be kind and compassionate toward one another, forgiving each other, just as God also forgave you [because of your fellowship] in Christ.

Keep your lives free from the love of money [and be] content with what you have, because God [Himself] has said [Deut. 31:6], “By no means will I [ever] desert you or give up on you.”So, we can say with confidence [Psa. 118:6], “[Since] the Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid [of] what people might do to me.” [or, “what (harm) can people do to me?”]

So, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another to be healed [from sin sickness]. The special request of a righteous person is empowered with [great] effectiveness.

Jesus replied, [Deut. 6:5] “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind.’This is the foremost and greatest commandment.A second one, similar to it is [Lev. 19:18], ‘You must love your neighbor the same way that you love yourself.’

And we urge you, brothers, to warn those who are idle [Note: The word “idle” originally meant, “insubordinate, or unruly.” See II Thess. 3:6-7, 11], encourage those who are timid, help the [spiritually] weak and be patient with everyone.

May God [who is the source] of steadfastness and encouragement, give you [a sense of] like-mindedness among yourselves, in harmony with [the example of] Christ Jesus,so that in [genuine] unity and with one voice, you people may honor the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

So, you should put the kingdom of God and what He says is right first [in your lives], then all these things [i.e., food, drink and clothing] will be provided for you.

For God loved the world [of sinners] so much that He gave His one and only Son, so that every person who believes in Him would not [have to] be destroyed, but have never ending life.

[Love] conceals all [people’s] faults; it believes [the best about] all people; it hopes [for the best in] all people; it endures [ill treatment from] all people.

For Christ is [the source of] our peace. He made both [Jews and Gentiles] one people, and broke down the barrier wall of hostility that divided them,

He should turn away from wrong living and do what is good. He should desire peace and do whatever it takes to maintain it.

And [then] He said to them, “Be careful and guard yourselves against [practicing] all forms of greed, for a person’s life does not consist of having a lot of possessions.”

Do everything without complaining and arguing,so that you will be without just blame and innocent [of wrongdoing], children of God without fault in the middle of a crooked and perverted generation of people. You must shine among them like stars lighting up the sky,

We praise the Lord and Father with it, and [also] curse men who are created in God’s likeness with it.Praise and cursing come out of the same mouth! My brothers, these things should not be happening.

For I am in the presence of two or three [disciples] wherever they are gathered in my name.”

Your speech should always be favorable, seasoned with salt [i.e., interesting and appropriate], so that you may know how to properly answer each person [you talk with].

But you, man of God, run from these things [See verses 3-10], and pursue right living and godliness, having faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.

[But] if we confess our sins [to God], He is faithful [to His promise] and righteous [in His judgment], and will forgive us of those sins and cleanse us from all of our wrongdoing.

Be alert and pray, so that you do not give in to temptation; the spirit [of a person] is truly willing [i.e., to do a certain thing], but his physical nature is [often too] weak [to carry it out].”

For the one whose mind is [controlled] by the flesh will suffer [spiritual] death; but the one whose mind is [controlled] by the Holy Spirit will enjoy [never ending] life and peace.

So then, we should do the right thing toward every person whenever we have the opportunity, and especially toward people who are part of God’s family [i.e., those making up “the faith”].

But God said to me, “My unearned favor is enough for you, for my power is made complete in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast, so that the power of Christ can rest on me.So, I am pleased to [endure] weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and difficulties, [all] for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak [physically], then I am strong [spiritually].

I have said these things to you so that you can have peace in [fellowship with] me. You will have trouble in the world, but cheer up, for I have conquered the world.”

In that same way, you should allow your light [i.e., influence] to shine in front of people, so that they will see your good deeds and [be led to] honor your Father in heaven.