Abundant Family Living: 03/24/25

Monday, March 24, 2025

What Does the Bible Say About Loving Our Enemies?

The concept of loving our enemies is one of the teachings found in the Bible. This principle challenges us to look past our natural tendencies to hate our enemies and to love them instead. Understanding what the Bible says about loving our enemies can transform our relationships and promote peace in our hearts and communities.

One of the most notable references to this important teaching is found in the Sermon on the Mount, as recorded in Matthew 5:43-48. Here, Jesus explicitly instructs His followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them. This command is not merely a suggestion; it emphasizes that true love extends beyond those who love us back. Jesus explains that while it is easy to love those who love us, the real test of our character lies in our ability to show love to our adversaries.

In the Old Testament, we also find teachings that align with this idea. Proverbs 25:21-22 admonishes, “If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.” This principle encourages us to choose kindness over resentment, illustrating that acts of love can have transformative effects even on those who oppose us. The wisdom of these verses underlines the importance of mercy and compassion, even in difficult circumstances.

Another powerful passage that addresses loving our enemies is found in Luke 6:27-36, where Jesus expands on the concept of love. He mentions that we should not only refrain from retaliating against those who harm us, but actively seek their good. This radical love mirrors God’s unconditional love for us, a love that persists regardless of our actions or shortcomings. As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect this Divine love in our actions towards others, even those who hurt us.

Loving our enemies does not mean condoning their actions or tolerating injustice. Instead, it is about choosing not to be consumed by hatred or bitterness. It invites us to break the cycle of negativity that often perpetuates conflict and strife. When we choose love, we promote healing and understanding, setting a powerful example for others.

The Bible also teaches that loving our enemies can lead to spiritual growth. When we choose to forgive and show compassion, we emulate the character of Christ. Romans 12:19-21 further illustrates this point by encouraging believers not to seek revenge but to overcome evil with good. This mindset helps cultivate a heart of humility and peace, allowing us to see our enemies more as individuals who may be struggling rather than one-dimensional villains.

The Bible's teachings on loving our enemies challenge us to step beyond our comfort zones and embrace a radical form of love. By following the example set by Jesus and the wisdom of the Scriptures, we can learn to respond to hostility with grace and compassion. Ultimately, choosing to love our enemies can lead to personal peace, reconciliation, and a deeper understanding of God’s boundless love for humanity. Let us strive to live out this powerful teaching, transforming our hearts and the world around us in the process.

If you would like to dig deeper into learning how to love your enemies, consider this short Bible Lesson, The Challenge and Power of Loving Your Enemies.

"Loving our enemies goes against every natural instinct we have. The world teaches us to love those who are kind to us and to dislike—sometimes even hate—those who mistreat us. In our human nature, it feels justified to hold grudges, seek revenge, or at least distance ourselves from those who hurt us.
But Jesus calls us to a higher standard, a kingdom mindset that reflects God's heart. In Matthew 5:43-48, Jesus challenges His followers not only to love their friends and family but also to love those who oppose, mistreat, or even persecute them. This teaching was radical in His time and remains countercultural today.
In Jewish tradition, the command to "love your neighbor" was widely accepted, but many interpreted it as meaning only their fellow Israelites. Some even believed that hating their enemies—such as the Romans who oppressed them—was acceptable. Jesus dismantled this idea by teaching that love should extend even to those who wrong us.
This is the kind of love that sets believers apart from the world. It is not based on emotions or circumstances but is a choice to reflect God's unconditional love. True love is not merely about being kind to those who are kind to us—it is about showing grace even when it is undeserved. This is what makes the love of Christ so powerful and transformative.
As we study this lesson, we will explore what it means to love our enemies, why Jesus commands us to do so, and how we can practically live out this teaching in our daily lives."