What does the Bible say about loving your enemies?
Jesus calls his followers to the hardest love of all: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” — reflecting a Father who sends sun and rain on the just and the unjust alike.
Where the world says repay evil for evil, Jesus says, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you.” This is not weakness but a deeper strength.
The motive is the character of God himself, who “causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good.” To love enemies is to act like our Father, showing the family resemblance.
This love is not a feeling we summon but a choice to seek another’s good — expressed first in prayer. It leaves vengeance to God and overcomes evil with good.
Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.