Jesus commanded: 'Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you' (Matthew 5:44). The Bible refuses vengeance (Romans 12:19), commands prayer for enemies, and points to Christ — who loved his enemies enough to die for them (Romans 5:10).
The Bible's teaching on enemies is distinctive Christian ethics. (1) Enemies exist. The Bible is honest. David's psalms are full of them. Jesus had enemies. (2) Jesus commanded love. Matthew 5:43-48 — 'Love your enemies... pray for them which despitefully use you.' (3) Why? Because God loves his enemies — including us when we were enemies (Romans 5:10). Matthew 5:45 — reflecting God's character. (4) Vengeance belongs to God. Romans 12:19 — 'Vengeance is mine; I will repay.' (5) Concrete actions. Romans 12:20 — feed the hungry enemy. (6) Christ as model. Luke 23:34 — 'Father, forgive them.' (7) Wise boundaries permitted. Loving enemies doesn't mean enabling abuse. You can love at a safe distance.
“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”
“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves... if thine enemy hunger, feed him... Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
“For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son.”
“If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink.”
“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”
“Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing.”
Pray for enemies daily by name. Refuse vengeance. Do good when possible. Maintain wise boundaries. Remember you were God's enemy first; he loved you anyway.
Matthew 5:43-48 — 'Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.' Reflecting God's character.
(1) Decide to obey. (2) Pray daily. (3) Refuse vengeance (Romans 12:19). (4) Do good when possible. (5) Maintain wise boundaries. (6) Remember Christ loved you when you were his enemy. See /how-to/love-your-enemies.
Most Christian traditions affirm self-defense. Romans 13:1-4 acknowledges state justice. Personal vengeance is forbidden (Romans 12:19); protection generally affirmed.
(1) He loves his enemies — including you (Romans 5:10). (2) It reflects his character (Matthew 5:45). (3) It breaks the cycle of vengeance. (4) It points to the gospel. (5) It transforms YOU.