What to Do If You Have Enemies

Bill Brinkworth

Here is some of what the Bible says about enemies, and how a Christian should behave toward them.

If you do right and live right as a Christian, you will probably have enemies and those that disapprove of your devotion to the Lord.
“Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.” Luke 6:26
No matter what they do, we still need to love and be kind to them!
“But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,” Luke 6:27
“Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.” Romans 13:8
Do not be happy when they suffer.
“Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:” Proverbs 24:17
Be kind to those that oppose you .
“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.” Proverbs 25:21-22
“Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I [Jesus] 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 5:43-44
“Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.” Romans 12:14
God should handle the problem and not you!
“Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me. Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help. Draw out also the spear, and stop the way against them that persecute me: say unto my soul, I am thy salvation. Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt.” Psalms 35:1-4

“Pay attention to your enemies, for they are the first to discover your mistakes.” — Antisthenes

This article was featured in The Bible View#221.