The Bible talks about enemies and how to deal with them. It emphasizes forgiveness, love, and leaving judgment to God.
Now, let’s dig deeper.
What Does the Bible Say About Enemies?
In the Bible, enemies pop up more often than you might think. They’re like those uninvited guests at a party you didn’t plan. But the Bible has a lot to say about how we should handle these unwanted guests.
First off, Jesus drops a wisdom bomb in the New Testament. He says, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). This is like the gold standard when it comes to dealing with enemies. It might sound tough, but it’s all about showing God’s love, even to those who don’t seem to deserve it.
But what about revenge? Well, the Bible has something to say about that too. Romans 12:19 reminds us, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath.” So, if you were thinking about serving up a dish of revenge, it’s best to let God handle that one.
Forgiveness is a big theme too. In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus says, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Whoa, that’s some serious forgiveness business right there.
Now, you might wonder, does that mean we should just let our enemies walk all over us? Nope. Jesus wasn’t a fan of being a doormat either. In Matthew 10:16, he says, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” So, being smart about it is okay.
But what if someone keeps sinning against you, like, over and over again? Well, the Bible advises addressing the issue directly. In Matthew 18:15, it says, “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you.”
So, in a nutshell, the Bible says to love your enemies, leave revenge to God, forgive others, be smart, and address issues head-on. That’s God’s view on dealing with enemies.
Bible Verses About Enemies
- Matthew 5:44 – “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
- Romans 12:19 – “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath.”
- Matthew 6:14-15 – “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
- Matthew 10:16 – “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”
- Matthew 18:15 – “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you.”
So, there you have it, a glimpse into what the Bible has to say about dealing with enemies. It’s all about love, forgiveness, and leaving judgment to the ultimate referee – God.