The Bible, especially the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, directs believers to handle enemies with love, forgiveness, and prayer rather than to eliminate or harm them. It distinguishes between literal human adversaries and the spiritual forces of evil.?
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New Testament teachings
Jesus's instructions on how to treat an enemy depart from the "eye for an eye" principle of the Old Testament and set a higher standard. In the Sermon on the Mount, he provides a radical model of non-retaliation:?
Love your enemies:?Jesus commanded, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44).
Pray for your enemies:?The teaching is not to harm enemies, but to bless them, do good to them, and pray for them (Luke 6:27-28). Jesus himself modeled this while on the cross, saying, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34).
Overcome evil with good:?The Apostle Paul expanded on this, writing, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21). This involves actively helping an enemy, such as feeding them if they are hungry, rather than seeking revenge.?
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Old Testament context
While the New Testament presents the most direct commands for loving one's enemies, there are also foundations for compassion toward adversaries in the Old Testament:?
Help an enemy in need:?The Law of Moses instructed Israelites to help a person who hated them if their animal was in trouble (Exodus 23:4-5).
Rely on divine justice:?The Old Testament often frames the ultimate defeat of enemies as a matter of God's justice, not human vengeance. "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord," as quoted in the New Testament, originates from this principle (Romans 12:19, Deuteronomy 32:35).
God will deal with wrongdoers:?Many scriptures show God's ultimate judgment on the wicked and his role in protecting his people, which is meant to reassure believers rather than encourage personal revenge.?