Love Your Enemies

Introduction

The command to love our enemies is one of the most challenging instructions given by our Lord. It goes against human instinct, because naturally, when someone wrongs us, the flesh desires revenge or retaliation. Yet, as believers who have been transformed by the love of God, we are called to rise above the natural response and reflect the supernatural love of the Father. Loving our enemies is not optional—it is a mark of true discipleship and obedience to God.

1. The Command from Jesus

Jesus made this command very clear in His teaching:

“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” (Matthew 5:44, KJV).

This was radical teaching. In the culture of the time, the common saying was, “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But Jesus flipped this upside down. He set a new standard for His followers: to love not only those who love us but also those who oppose, insult, or hurt us.

When we love our enemies, we demonstrate that we belong to the family of God. Jesus continues in Matthew 5:45:

“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, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”

God shows kindness to both the good and the wicked. If we claim to be His children, we must reflect that same nature.

2. Why Love Our Enemies?

a) Because God Loved Us First

Romans 5:8 declares:

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

Before we were reconciled to God, we were enemies of the cross. Yet, Christ loved us enough to lay down His life. If God loved us while we were His enemies, then as believers, we are called to extend that same love to those who stand against us.

b) Because It Breaks the Cycle of Hatred

Hatred breeds more hatred. Violence gives birth to more violence. But love interrupts the cycle. Proverbs 25:21–22 teaches:

“If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee.”

This means our acts of love and kindness have the power to convict the heart of the enemy and open a door for transformation.

c) Because It Sets Us Apart as Believers

Jesus said in Luke 6:32:

“For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.”

Anyone can love those who are kind to them. But the mark of a true believer is shown when we love those who oppose us. This is where the light of the gospel shines the brightest.

3. Practical Ways to Love Our Enemies

a) Pray for Them

The first step is prayer. Jesus said:

“…pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).

Prayer transforms our hearts. It may not immediately change our enemy, but it softens us and aligns us with God’s will. When we intercede for those who hurt us, bitterness loses its grip on our spirit.

b) Forgive Them

Colossians 3:13 says:

“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”

Forgiveness is not excusing the wrong, but releasing the offender into God’s hands. Unforgiveness chains us, but forgiveness sets us free. Loving our enemies requires a heart free from grudges.

c) Show Kindness

Romans 12:20–21 reminds us:

“Therefore 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.”

Love is not only words but action. Kindness is a powerful weapon against hostility.

d) Speak Blessings, Not Curses

When insulted, the natural reaction is to retaliate with harsh words. But as believers, we are called to bless instead. 1 Peter 3:9 says:

“Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.”

When we bless our enemies, we reflect Christ and position ourselves to receive God’s blessing.

4. Examples from Scripture

a) Jesus on the Cross

The greatest example of loving one’s enemies is Jesus Himself. While being crucified, mocked, and spat upon, He prayed:

“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

At the very moment of His suffering, Jesus chose love over retaliation.

b) Stephen the Martyr

In Acts 7:60, as Stephen was being stoned, he cried out:

“Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.”

Stephen mirrored the love of Christ, even in the face of death. His prayer echoed into eternity, and we later see one of his persecutors, Saul, become Paul, the great apostle.

c) Joseph and His Brothers

In Genesis 50:20, Joseph told his brothers who betrayed him:

“But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good…”

Joseph did not retaliate against his brothers but chose forgiveness and reconciliation. His love turned a family torn by jealousy into one restored by grace.

5. The Reward of Loving Our Enemies

Loving our enemies is not in vain. Jesus promised in Luke 6:35:

“But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.”

When we obey this command, we reflect God’s character, draw closer to His heart, and receive eternal rewards.

Conclusion

Beloved, loving our enemies is not easy. It requires dying to self and allowing the Spirit of God to work in us. Yet, this is the higher calling of a believer. To love our enemies is to mirror the very heart of God—a heart that loved us when we were unworthy.

Let us remember:

Pray for those who hurt us.
Forgive those who offend us.
Bless those who curse us.
Do good to those who mistreat us.

By doing so, we shine as true children of our Father in heaven.

Final Encouragement

“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).

If you find it hard to love your enemy today, ask God for grace. His Spirit will empower you to love beyond your natural ability. Remember, the love of God in you is stronger than hate around you.