The 8 Best Bible Verses about Enemies

Should Christians have enemies? How should we deal with enemies in our lives?

Dealing with enemies is a universal challenge, and the Bible offers profound wisdom on how to navigate such situations with faith and strength. In this post, we’ll go through a list of verses that provide insights and inspiration for facing adversities.

Facing a battle you feel you cannot win? If so, click here to learn how to give the battle to God.

Bible Verses about Enemies

1. Psalm 27:1

“The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?”

This verse establishes a foundation of confidence and trust in the Lord as our protector and source of strength, dispelling fear in the face of enemies.

2. Proverbs 16:7

“When people’s lives please the Lord, even their enemies are at peace with them.”

Living by God’s powerful principles creates an atmosphere of peace, even with enemies.

3. Matthew 5:44

“But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!”

Jesus calls believers to a radical love that extends even to enemies. Praying for those who persecute us aligns with God’s desire for reconciliation and redemption.

4. Romans 12:20-21

“Instead, ‘If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.’ Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.”

Responding to enemies with kindness and generosity is a powerful way to overcome evil. This verse encourages believers to break the cycle of hostility through acts of love.

5. Psalm 23:5

“You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.”

God’s provision and blessings are not diminished in the presence of enemies. This verse illustrates the abundance of God’s goodness despite external challenges.

6. Exodus 14:14

“The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”

This verse assures believers that God is their defender. In the face of enemies, the instruction is to remain calm, trusting that the Lord will fight on their behalf.

7. Luke 6:27-28

“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.”

Jesus reiterates the call to love and bless enemies, emphasizing a counter-cultural response to hostility—one rooted in God’s love.

8. 2 Timothy 4:18

“Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.”

This verse expresses confidence in God’s deliverance from every evil attack, reinforcing the belief that ultimate victory lies in God’s eternal Kingdom.

Short Prayer

Heavenly Father, in moments of conflict and adversity, please give us the strength to respond with love and grace, just as your Word teaches us. Help us to overcome the challenges posed by enemies through the power of your love. May we find peace in your protection and guidance. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Conclusion

Navigating relationships with enemies is a challenging aspect of life, but the Bible provides a roadmap for facing adversaries with faith, love, and resilience. As you reflect on these verses, may you find inspiration to respond to enemies with the love that God offers. Through prayer, acts of kindness, and trust in the Lord, we can live peacefully with our neighbors and please God in all we do.