Jesus commands us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, while Paul says not to repay anyone evil for evil, not to take revenge, and to overcome evil with good. Proverbs also says not to repay evil, but to leave it to the Lord. These texts address a personal response to offense; they do not address matters of government, war, or protecting others.
What does the Bible say about this?
- Jesus contrasts the teaching about hating one’s enemy with these words: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you; then you will be sons of your Heavenly Father, who sends the sun and rain on both the evil and the good. Even tax collectors and Gentiles love only those who love them (Matt. 5:43–48).
- Jesus says to those listening: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you; be merciful, just as your Father is merciful (Luke 6:27–36).
- Paul writes: do not repay anyone evil for evil; as far as possible, live at peace with everyone; do not take revenge, but leave room for God’s wrath. If your enemy is hungry, feed him; do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Rom. 12:17–21).
- The author of Proverbs says not to repay evil, but to leave it to the Lord, and not to rejoice when your enemy falls (Prov. 20:22; 24:17–18).
- Peter also urges us not to repay evil for evil or insult for insult, but to bless (1 Pet. 3:9).
- Conclusion: these passages address personal offense and personal revenge. They do not examine what authorities should do, how to act in wartime, or how to protect yourself or another person; the answers to these questions cannot be derived from these passages.
The editorial team prepared this brief answer; the verse texts are from the Father’s Blessing Bible.
Key Scriptures
6 Scriptures · Father’s Blessing Bible
Matthew 5:43–48
43 You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” 44 But I say to you: love your enemies, [[bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you]] and pray for [[those who spitefully use you and]] persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Heavenly Father; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 Therefore, be perfect, just as your Heavenly Father is perfect.
Luke 6:27–36
27 But I say to you who hear: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you and pray for those who spitefully use you. 29 To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. 30 Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods, do not ask them back. 31 And just as you want people to do to you, you also do to them. 32 And if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. 35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. 36 Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.
Romans 12:17–21
17 Repay no one evil for evil, but provide things honorable in the sight of all people. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all people. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to the wrath of God. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 Therefore, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for in doing this you will heap burning coals on his head. 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Proverbs 20:22
Do not say, “I will repay evil”; leave it to the Lord, and He will protect you.
Proverbs 24:17–18
17 Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles. 18 Otherwise, the Lord will see it, and it will displease Him, and He will turn His anger away from him.
1 Peter 3:9
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult; on the contrary, bless, knowing that you were called to this so that you may inherit a blessing.
