Bible Questions and Answers

Romans 5:10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

Colossians 1:21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

Matthew 5:44 But I 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; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? 48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Luke 6:27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, 28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. 29 And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also. 30 Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. 31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. 32 For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. 33 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. 34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. 35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. 36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Philippians 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

The answer to the question is in the context.

Christians are to love their enemies for the following reasons:

1. We were all enemies of God by evil works and God gave his son to reconcile us.
2. Christ died to reconcile God’s enemies (including us) to him.
3. That we may be the children of our Father which is in heaven.
4. That we be as harmless as doves.
5. Our Father will reward us at the resurrection of the just (Luke 14:14)
6. That we may be perfect (complete, mature), even as our Father which is in heaven is perfect.
7. That we treat others as we would want them to treat us.
8. That we be merciful to the unthankful and to the evil as our Father is merciful (both to them and to us).
9. That we leave all vengeance in the hand of God.
10. That we do good unto all men without exception.
11. That being blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, we may shine as lights in the world.
12. That all may see our good works, and glorify our Father which is in heaven.

All this is contained in the command ‘thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself’; our neighbour includes our enemy.

If we do not obey, but do evil to our enemies, then we are not Christians.

John 15:14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

Luke 6:46... why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

I hope you have found this helpful.

May God bless you,
Glenn