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150 Bible Verses about Love of Enemies
“But I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
Rather, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing this you will be heaping burning coals on his head.
If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink,for you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the Lord will reward you.
But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to ungrateful and evil people.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil; consider what is good before all people.If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all people.Do not avenge yourselves, dear friends, but give place to God’s wrath, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God – what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.Rather, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing this you will be heaping burning coals on his head.Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’ and ‘hate your enemy.’But I say to you, love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you,so that you may be like your Father in heaven, since he causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Even the tax collectors do the same, don’t they?And if you only greet your brothers, what more do you do? Even the Gentiles do the same, don’t they?So then, be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Do not return evil for evil or insult for insult, but instead bless others because you were called to inherit a blessing.
Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and when he stumbles do not let your heart rejoice,
[But Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”] Then they threw dice to divide his clothes.
“If you encounter your enemy’s ox or donkey wandering off, you must by all means return it to him.If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen under its load, you must not ignore him, but be sure to help him with it.
See that no one pays back evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all.
Instead, be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you.
Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been fathered by God and knows God.The person who does not love does not know God, because God is love.
But God demonstrates his own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
“For if you forgive others their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.But if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive you your sins.
For the whole law can be summed up in a single commandment, namely, “You must love your neighbor as yourself.”
Then Peter came to him and said, “Lord, how many times must I forgive my brother who sins against me? As many as seven times?”Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, I tell you, but seventy-seven times!
Love is patient, love is kind, it is not envious. Love does not brag, it is not puffed up.It is not rude, it is not self-serving, it is not easily angered or resentful.It is not glad about injustice, but rejoices in the truth.It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if someone happens to have a complaint against anyone else. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others.
Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself.
Above all keep your love for one another fervent, because love covers a multitude of sins.
When they were sick, I wore sackcloth, and refrained from eating food. (If I am lying, may my prayers go unanswered!)I mourned for them as I would for a friend or my brother. I bowed down in sorrow as if I were mourning for my mother.
When a person’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, he even reconciles his enemies to himself.
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters! Let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger.My brothers and sisters, consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials,For human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.
“I give you a new commandment – to love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.Everyone will know by this that you are my disciples – if you have love for one another.”
Therefore, be imitators of God as dearly loved childrentrying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.For the things they do in secret are shameful even to mention.But all things being exposed by the light are made evident.For everything made evident is light, and for this reason it says: “Awake, O sleeper! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you!”Therefore be very careful how you live – not as unwise but as wise,taking advantage of every opportunity, because the days are evil.For this reason do not be foolish, but be wise by understanding what the Lord’s will is.And do not get drunk with wine, which is debauchery, but be filled by the Spirit,speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music in your hearts to the Lord,and live in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.
And we have come to know and to believe the love that God has in us. God is love, and the one who resides in love resides in God, and God resides in him.
Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will trouble, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?As it is written, “For your sake we encounter death all day long; we were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”No, in all these things we have complete victory through him who loved us!For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor heavenly rulers, nor things that are present, nor things to come, nor powers,nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Now an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus, saying, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”He said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you understand it?”The expert answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.”Jesus said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.”But the expert, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”Go! I am sending you out like lambs surrounded by wolves.Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him up, and went off, leaving him half dead.Now by chance a priest was going down that road, but when he saw the injured man he passed by on the other side.So too a Levite, when he came up to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.But a Samaritan who was traveling came to where the injured man was, and when he saw him, he felt compassion for him.He went up to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever else you spend, I will repay you when I come back this way.’Which of these three do you think became a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?”The expert in religious law said, “The one who showed mercy to him.” So Jesus said to him, “Go and do the same.”
So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who belong to the family of faith.
The one who forgives an offense seeks love, but whoever repeats a matter separates close friends.
Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on the cause of your anger.Do not give the devil an opportunity.
In everything, treat others as you would want them to treat you, for this fulfills the law and the prophets.
And let us take thought of how to spur one another on to love and good works,not abandoning our own meetings, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and even more so because you see the day drawing near.
For this is the gospel message that you have heard from the beginning: that we should love one another,
Certainly O Lord, you are kind and forgiving, and show great faithfulness to all who cry out to you.
And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.
For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, how much more, since we have been reconciled, will we be saved by his life?
“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do the same.
And all these things are from God who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and who has given us the ministry of reconciliation.In other words, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting people’s trespasses against them, and he has given us the message of reconciliation.
If anyone says “I love God” and yet hates his fellow Christian, he is a liar, because the one who does not love his fellow Christian whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.
With every prayer and petition, pray at all times in the Spirit, and to this end be alert, with all perseverance and requests for all the saints.
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if someone happens to have a complaint against anyone else. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others.And to all these virtues add love, which is the perfect bond.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things.
“Do not judge so that you will not be judged.Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?If you then, although you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!In everything, treat others as you would want them to treat you, for this fulfills the law and the prophets.“Enter through the narrow gate, because the gate is wide and the way is spacious that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.But the gate is narrow and the way is difficult that leads to life, and there are few who find it.“Watch out for false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are voracious wolves.You will recognize them by their fruit. Grapes are not gathered from thorns or figs from thistles, are they?In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit.A good tree is not able to bear bad fruit, nor a bad tree to bear good fruit.Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.For by the standard you judge you will be judged, and the measure you use will be the measure you receive.
Commit your future to the Lord! Trust in him, and he will act on your behalf.He will vindicate you in broad daylight, and publicly defend your just cause.
For to this you were called, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving an example for you to follow in his steps.He committed no sin nor was deceit found in his mouth.When he was maligned, he did not answer back; when he suffered, he threatened no retaliation, but committed himself to God who judges justly.
And the king will answer them, ‘I tell you the truth, just as you did it for one of the least of these brothers or sisters of mine, you did it for me.’
You must let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but only what is beneficial for the building up of the one in need, that it may give grace to those who hear.
A person’s wisdom makes him slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.
In the same way, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
So confess your sins to one another and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great effectiveness.
The one who loves his fellow Christian resides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Watch yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him. If he repents, forgive him.It will be the same on the day the Son of Man is revealed.On that day, anyone who is on the roof, with his goods in the house, must not come down to take them away, and likewise the person in the field must not turn back.Remember Lot’s wife!Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will preserve it.I tell you, in that night there will be two people in one bed; one will be taken and the other left.There will be two women grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left.”Then the disciples said to him, “Where, Lord?” He replied to them, “Where the dead body is, there the vultures will gather.”Even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times returns to you saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”
But I say to you, do not resist the evildoer. But whoever strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other to him as well.
How blessed is the one who treats the poor properly! When trouble comes, the Lord delivers him.As for you, O Lord, have mercy on me and raise me up, so I can pay them back!”By this I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me.As for me, you uphold me because of my integrity; you allow me permanent access to your presence.The Lord God of Israel deserves praise in the future and forevermore! We agree! We agree!May the Lord protect him and save his life! May he be blessed in the land! Do not turn him over to his enemies!
For this is the way God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
So also my heavenly Father will do to you, if each of you does not forgive your brother from your heart.”
Brotherly love must continue.We have an altar that those who serve in the tabernacle have no right to eat from.For the bodies of those animals whose blood the high priest brings into the sanctuary as an offering for sin are burned outside the camp.Therefore, to sanctify the people by his own blood, Jesus also suffered outside the camp.We must go out to him, then, outside the camp, bearing the abuse he experienced.For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, acknowledging his name.And do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for God is pleased with such sacrifices.Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls and will give an account for their work. Let them do this with joy and not with complaints, for this would be no advantage for you.Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to conduct ourselves rightly in every respect.I especially ask you to pray that I may be restored to you very soon.Do not neglect hospitality, because through it some have entertained angels without knowing it.
A good name is to be chosen rather than great wealth, good favor more than silver or gold.
With regard to food sacrificed to idols, we know that “we all have knowledge.” Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.
Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunities.Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer everyone.
But if you fulfill the royal law as expressed in this scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.
Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well.
“I am sending you out like sheep surrounded by wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
who comforts us in all our troubles so that we may be able to comfort those experiencing any trouble with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
Defend the cause of the poor and the fatherless! Vindicate the oppressed and suffering!Rescue the poor and needy! Deliver them from the power of the wicked!
Obey with enthusiasm, as though serving the Lord and not people,because you know that each person, whether slave or free, if he does something good, this will be rewarded by the Lord.
But set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess.
Now on the topic of brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another.
And the Lord’s slave must not engage in heated disputes but be kind toward all, an apt teacher, patient,correcting opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance and then knowledge of the truth
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and not hypocritical.And the fruit that consists of righteousness is planted in peace among those who make peace.
Whatever you are doing, work at it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people,because you know that you will receive your inheritance from the Lord as the reward. Serve the Lord Christ.
And may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we do for you,
For this is the love of God: that we keep his commandments. And his commandments do not weigh us down,
Train a child in the way that he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
Therefore be very careful how you live – not as unwise but as wise,taking advantage of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Owe no one anything, except to love one another, for the one who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.
“You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its flavor, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled on by people.You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill cannot be hidden.People do not light a lamp and put it under a basket but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven.
Then make sure you don’t speak evil words or use deceptive speech!Turn away from evil and do what is right! Strive for peace and promote it!
by purity, by knowledge, by patience, by benevolence, by the Holy Spirit, by genuine love,
“All things are lawful for me” – but not everything is beneficial. “All things are lawful for me” – but I will not be controlled by anything.
Now receive the one who is weak in the faith, and do not have disputes over differing opinions.
My goal is that their hearts, having been knit together in love, may be encouraged, and that they may have all the riches that assurance brings in their understanding of the knowledge of the mystery of God, namely, Christ,
He said also to the man who had invited him, “When you host a dinner or a banquet, don’t invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors so you can be invited by them in return and get repaid.But when you host an elaborate meal, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind.Then you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
If anyone wants to serve me, he must follow me, and where I am, my servant will be too. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.
In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven.
Examine me, and probe my thoughts! Test me, and know my concerns!See if there is any idolatrous tendency in me, and lead me in the reliable ancient path!
(See what sort of love the Father has given to us: that we should be called God’s children – and indeed we are! For this reason the world does not know us: because it did not know him.
But may all who take shelter in you be happy! May they continually shout for joy! Shelter them so that those who are loyal to you may rejoice!
Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.“Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven.
But practicing the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ, who is the head.
The one who says he is in the light but still hates his fellow Christian is still in the darkness.
Let us live decently as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in discord and jealousy.
Go and learn what this saying means: ‘I want mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
But as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, and in all eagerness and in the love from us that is in you – make sure that you excel in this act of kindness too.
Your conduct must be free from the love of money and you must be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you and I will never abandon you.”So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, and I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”
“I am not praying only on their behalf, but also on behalf of those who believe in me through their testimony,that they will all be one, just as you, Father, are in me and I am in you. I pray that they will be in us, so that the world will believe that you sent me.
Jesus said to him, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment.The second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’Again he sent other slaves, saying, ‘Tell those who have been invited, “Look! The feast I have prepared for you is ready. My oxen and fattened cattle have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.”’All the law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.”
Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of the varied grace of God.
But you should be eager for the greater gifts. And now I will show you a way that is beyond comparison.
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female – for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.
being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might for the display of all patience and steadfastness, joyfullygiving thanks to the Father who has qualified you to share in the saints’ inheritance in the light.