Loving friends and family is easy.
Loving people who treat us with kindness feels natural.
But what about those who hurt us, betray us, or stand against us?
How do we love people who make our lives difficult?
The idea of loving our enemies goes against human nature.
Most people want to avoid their enemies, fight back, or hold on to resentment.
But Jesus taught something radical—He commanded His followers to love even those who mistreat them.
The Bible has a lot to say about loving enemies, and understanding this truth can transform the way we live.
Let’s explore what Scripture teaches about loving our enemies and why it matters so much.
Jesus Commands Us to Love Our Enemies
One of the most well-known passages about loving enemies comes from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.
In Matthew 5:43-44, Jesus said, “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.”
This was a shocking statement.
At that time, many people believed in “an eye for an eye” justice—if someone hurt you, you had the right to hurt them back.
But Jesus flipped that idea upside down.
He did not just tell His followers to tolerate their enemies.
He told them to love them.
This kind of love is not based on emotions or feelings.
It is a choice to treat others with kindness and forgiveness, even when they do not deserve it.
Loving Enemies Shows That We Are God’s Children
Jesus went on to explain why loving enemies is important.
In Matthew 5:45, He said, “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.”
God does not withhold His kindness from those who reject Him.
He provides for everyone, whether they love Him or not.
When we love our enemies, we reflect God’s character.
We show the world that we belong to Him, not because we follow the easy path but because we choose to love like He does.
Love Is More Powerful Than Hate
Hate comes naturally to a broken world.
When people hurt us, the instinct is to hurt them back.
But hate only leads to more pain, anger, and division.
Romans 12:20-21 gives a different approach:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
This verse teaches that responding with kindness can change everything.
It does not mean that the enemy will always change, but it does mean that we do not allow their actions to control us.
Choosing love over hate keeps our hearts free from bitterness and revenge.
It allows God to work in ways we cannot see.
Loving Enemies Does Not Mean Approving of Evil
Some people misunderstand what it means to love an enemy.
They think it means allowing someone to mistreat them or approving of their wrongdoing.
But that is not what Jesus taught.
Loving an enemy does not mean ignoring sin or pretending everything is fine.
It means choosing to respond with grace instead of vengeance.
In Luke 6:27-28, Jesus said, “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
This means praying for those who hurt us, even when they do not change.
It means treating them with respect, even when they do not deserve it.
Loving an enemy does not mean being weak—it means being strong enough to rise above hatred.
Forgiveness Is Part of Loving Enemies
Forgiveness and love go hand in hand.
It is impossible to love an enemy while holding onto resentment.
Ephesians 4:31-32 says, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
God calls us to forgive because He has forgiven us.
Jesus set the perfect example when He was on the cross.
As He was being crucified, He prayed for His enemies, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).
If Jesus could forgive the people who nailed Him to the cross, we can forgive those who wrong us.
Forgiveness does not mean forgetting or excusing bad behavior.
It means releasing the anger and trusting God to bring justice.
Loving Enemies Requires God’s Strength
Loving enemies is not easy.
On our own, it is impossible.
But with God’s help, it becomes possible.
Galatians 5:22-23 lists love as a fruit of the Spirit.
This means that when we walk closely with God, He gives us the strength to love as He loves.
Praying for enemies is one of the best ways to start.
When we pray for someone, it changes our hearts.
It does not always change the person, but it softens our bitterness and allows God to work.
Loving enemies is not about our feelings—it is about obedience to God.
As we surrender to Him, He gives us the ability to love even the most difficult people.
The Reward of Loving Enemies
Jesus promised that loving enemies would not go unnoticed.
In Luke 6:35, He said, “But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.”
When we love enemies, we store up rewards in heaven.
More than that, we show the world the power of God’s love.
Our love for enemies may be the very thing that leads them to Jesus.
Even if they never change, our obedience pleases God and strengthens our faith.
Overcoming Fear and Hurt
Loving an enemy can feel risky.
What if they take advantage of us?
What if they never change?
These are real concerns, but the Bible reminds us to trust God.
Romans 12:19 says, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
God sees every injustice.
He knows every hurt.
Loving an enemy does not mean they escape consequences—it means we leave justice in God’s hands.
When we stop trying to fight our own battles, we can rest in the peace that God is in control.
Love Is the Mark of a True Christian
Loving enemies is one of the strongest ways to show the world that we belong to Christ.
John 13:35 says, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
The world expects people to fight back, seek revenge, and hold grudges.
But when believers respond with love instead of hatred, it stands out.
It is not a love that comes from human effort—it is the supernatural love of God shining through His people.
Final Thoughts
Loving enemies is one of the hardest things Jesus commanded, but it is also one of the most powerful.
It frees us from bitterness.
It reflects God’s love to the world.
It brings peace instead of hatred.
It is not about feelings but about obedience.
It does not mean ignoring sin but choosing grace over revenge.
Jesus loved His enemies, and He calls His followers to do the same.
With God’s strength, we can rise above hatred and walk in the love He has given us.
In the end, love is stronger than hate, and God’s way is always the best way.