What does the Bible say about enemies?
The biblical approach to dealing with enemies presents a fascinating theological progression from the Old Testament to the New Testament. In the Old Testament, we find initial teachings about showing kindness to enemies, reflecting the understanding that all people, including adversaries, are part of God's creation. This is evident in passages like Exodus 23:4-5, which instructs: "If you come across your enemy's ox or donkey wandering off, be sure to return it. If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen down under its load, do not leave it there; be sure you help them with it." Similarly, Proverbs 25:21 advises, "If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink." These texts establish a foundation of basic human decency, even toward those who oppose us.
The Old Testament also contains numerous imprecatory psalms that call for God's judgment against enemies. These psalms, such as Psalm 58:6-8, which implores, "Break the teeth in their mouths, O God; Lord, tear out the fangs of those lions!" represent cries for divine justice against those who oppose God's purposes. This perspective is balanced by the recognition that vengeance belongs to God alone, as Deuteronomy 32:35 declares, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay." The concept of divine warfare appears throughout the Old Testament, showing God actively engaged in battle against forces of chaos and rebellion. This is powerfully illustrated in Exodus 14:14, where Moses tells the Israelites, "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still," demonstrating God's sovereignty in defeating enemies.
Jesus introduces a radical shift in the New Testament, commanding his followers to love their enemies. In Matthew 5:44-45, he teaches, "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven." This love is not a passive emotion but an active intent to seek the good of those who oppose us. Romans 12:20-21 echoes this teaching: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." This approach aligns with the principles of God's kingdom, which operates differently from worldly systems of power and vengeance.
Christ's sacrifice on the cross represents the ultimate fulfillment of God's judgment and the supreme demonstration of love for enemies. Even as he was being crucified, Jesus prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34). The apostle Paul explains in Romans 5:10, "For if, while we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!" This sacrificial love transforms our understanding of enemies—we ourselves were once enemies of God, yet Christ died for us, showing that through his death, enemies can be reconciled and brought into God's family.
The biblical treatment of enemies culminates in the recognition that earthly conflicts often reflect a spiritual dimension. Ephesians 6:12 reminds believers, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." This perspective helps Christians understand that human enemies are not the ultimate adversaries; rather, they, too, are potential recipients of God's grace and reconciliation. The church's role, as described in 2 Corinthians 5:18-20, is to be ambassadors of this reconciliation: "All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation... We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us." By loving enemies and seeking their good, believers participate in God's redemptive work in the world, trusting in his ultimate justice while extending the same mercy they have received.
