10 Ways to Love Our Enemies

1. Remember God’s Example

Ephesians 4:32 urges us: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ultimately, our motivation for loving our enemies comes from God’s example of love and forgiveness. God demonstrated his love for us through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, even while we were still sinners. As recipients of this divine love, we are called to extend it to others, including our enemies. God’s love and forgiveness, demonstrated through the sacrifice of Jesus, serve as our ultimate example. God loved us even when we were in rebellion against him, and he provided a path to reconciliation. When we remember this example, it inspires us to love our enemies as God has loved us, with grace, compassion, and a desire for their redemption. 

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Twomeows_IS 

2. Practice Humility

The Bible exhorts us in 1 Peter 5:5-6: “… All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another because ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” Humility is a key component of loving our enemies. It allows us to acknowledge our own imperfections and weaknesses while recognizing that our enemies are also human beings in need of grace and redemption. Humility is a foundational virtue in loving our enemies. It reminds us that we are not perfect and that our enemies are not beyond redemption. By approaching our interactions with humility, we open ourselves to the possibility of growth and transformation, both for ourselves and our adversaries.

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/AaronAmat.jpg 

3. Show Mercy

In Luke 6:36, Jesus instructs us: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” God’s boundless mercy toward us serves as a model for how we should treat our enemies. When we extend mercy to those who have wronged us, we reflect God’s character and open the door to reconciliation and healing. Mercy is an extension of forgiveness and compassion. It means refraining from punishing others or taking revenge on them, even if they deserve to be treated that way. Instead, we choose to show kindness and leniency, recognizing that everyone makes mistakes and deserves a second chance. Since God has shown mercy to us for our sins, we should show mercy to people who have hurt us through their sins.

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/kieferpix 

4. Pray for Your Enemies

One of the most fundamental ways to love our enemies is through prayer. In Matthew 5:44, Jesus instructs us, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” This powerful verse reminds us that prayer is not only a means of communication with God but also a tool for cultivating love and forgiveness in our hearts. When we pray for our enemies, we open ourselves to the possibility of change and transformation, both in our own lives and in the lives of those who oppose us. Prayer is not just a religious ritual. It’s a powerful tool for changing our perspective, so we can discover the wonder of God’s work in any situation we face. When we pray for our enemies, we not only seek God’s guidance and grace for them but also allow God to work within us, softening our hearts and helping us to see our enemies through a lens of compassion and understanding.

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/simonapilolla 

5. Love Your Enemies as Yourself

In Matthew 22:39, Jesus gives us the second greatest commandment, saying, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” This commandment extends to our enemies as well. By loving our enemies as we love ourselves, we recognize their intrinsic worth and humanity. It calls us to treat them with the same respect and care that we desire for ourselves. This commandment reminds us that we should extend the same love, respect, and care to our enemies that we want in our own lives. It means recognizing the inherent worth of all individuals, regardless of their actions or attitudes. Jesus calls us to treat others with the same dignity and compassion we hope to receive. 

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/kieferpix 

6. Bless Those Who Curse You

Jesus implores us in Luke 6:28: “Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Blessing those who speak badly about us or who mistreat us may seem like a challenging task, but it is a powerful way to demonstrate love. By responding to curses with blessings, we break the cycle of hostility and contribute to a more positive and loving atmosphere. Blessing those who curse us challenges our natural instinct to respond in kind. It means responding to harsh words or actions with kindness, empathy, and well-wishes. By doing so, we can break the cycle of negativity and foster an environment where reconciliation and forgiveness become more attainable. 

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/AsiaVision 

7. Overcome Evil with Good

Romans 12:21 teaches us: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” This verse encourages us to respond to hatred and wrongdoing with acts of kindness and goodness. When we choose to respond in this way, we create an environment where love has the potential to triumph over hatred and animosity. Responding to evil with good involves consciously choosing to replace anger and resentment with acts of kindness and love. It’s not about ignoring wrongdoing, but instead addressing it with a positive and constructive approach. By doing this, we not only stand against evil but also offer a path toward redemption and reconciliation. 

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/NiseriN 

8. Turn the Other Cheek

In Matthew 5:39, Jesus advises: “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” Turning the other cheek signifies a commitment to non-violence and a refusal to retaliate when wronged. It challenges us to respond with love and humility, even in the face of adversity. It is an act of strength, not weakness, as it requires self-control and a determination to break the cycle of aggression. By turning the other cheek, we demonstrate a commitment to peace and a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue rather than escalate conflicts.

Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Lea Dubedout 

9. Forgive Freely

In Matthew 18:21-22, Peter asks Jesus: “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus replied: “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Forgiveness is an essential aspect of loving our enemies. It involves releasing the desire for revenge or retribution and choosing to pardon and let go of past offenses. Forgiveness is the act of letting go of resentment and the desire for vengeance. It is not synonymous with condoning wrongdoing, but rather a conscious choice to release the burden of anger and hatred. Forgiving our enemies allows us to free ourselves from the chains of bitterness and opens the door to reconciliation. 

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/PeopleImages 

10. Seek Reconciliation

In Matthew 5:23-24, Jesus emphasizes the importance of seeking reconciliation with those who have something against us: “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First, go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” This verse underscores the value of resolving conflicts and repairing relationships, even if it means taking the initiative to do so. Seeking reconciliation involves trying to mend broken relationships. It’s not always easy, and it requires humility and vulnerability. We must learn to embrace and value our differences instead of letting them divide us. However, all the effort is worthwhile. By seeking reconciliation, we can resolve conflicts and rebuild trust, ultimately building an environment where love and understanding can flourish. 

Conclusion

Loving our enemies is a challenging and countercultural concept, but it is deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus that reflect God’s wisdom. By following the principles outlined in these Bible verses, we can overcome hatred, promote reconciliation, and create a more loving and compassionate world. As we pray for our enemies, bless those who curse us, and extend forgiveness and mercy, we participate in the transformative power of love. God’s love flows through us, bringing positive change to everyone involved. Whenever we choose to love our enemies, we contribute to the powerful redemptive work that God is doing through believers in this fallen world.

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Sarah Mason