Why Does the Bible Say to Love Your Enemies?
Why Does the Bible Say to Love Your Enemies? Jesus commands enemy-love because it reflects God's own character — He sends rain on the just and unjust — and it overcomes evil with good.
Key verse: Matthew 5:44-45 (KJV)
Jesus commands enemy-love because it reflects God's own character — He sends rain on the just and unjust — and it overcomes evil with good.
Jesus commands enemy-love because it reflects God's own character — He sends rain on the just and unjust — and it overcomes evil with good.
"Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you." — Matthew 5:44-45 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
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Related Verses
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The Biblical Answer
Jesus' command to love enemies is among His most radical teachings: '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; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good' (Matthew 5:44-45). This love is not sentimental affection but deliberate, sacrificial goodwill. Paul expands: 'If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good' (Romans 12:20-21). Jesus practiced what He preached, praying for His executioners: 'Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do' (Luke 23:34). Stephen followed His example (Acts 7:60). Enemy-love distinguishes Christians from the world: 'If ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?' (Matthew 5:46).
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
What the Bible teaches about love — God's love for us, our love for others, and the greatest commandment.
Key Scripture References
"Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you."
"If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink... Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."
"Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
The Bible teaches that God is love, that He demonstrated love by sending His Son, and that love for God and neighbor is the greatest commandment.
Why Should Christians Forgive Others?
Jesus commands forgiveness because God has forgiven believers an unpayable debt — refusing to forgive contradicts the gospel and imprisons the unforgiving heart.
What Is the Sermon on the Mount?
The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is Jesus' most comprehensive teaching — covering kingdom ethics, prayer, worry, judging, and the radical standards of heart righteousness.
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
The Bible defines love not as a feeling but as a sacrificial choice — modeled perfectly by God's gift of His Son.
How Do You Forgive Others According to the Bible?
Biblical forgiveness means releasing bitterness and choosing not to hold someone's offense against them — just as God in Christ forgave us.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Matthew. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Matthew on day 284 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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