Dealing with Enemies

You won't find a promise in the Bible that you will never have enemies. In fact, the Bible makes it plain that people of faith will have enemies and will endure persecution.

But the Bible does promise us that God is greater than any enemy we will ever face. We may be small and weak compared with those who oppose us, but our enemies are small and weak compared with God. Even if justice is not done in this life, God guarantees that there is a final justice.

The LORD is for me, so I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? Yes, the LORD is for me; he will help me. I will look in triumph at those who hate me. It is better to trust the LORD than to put confidence in people. It is better to trust the LORD than to put confidence in princes.

Psalms 118:6-9ClosePsalms 118:6-9 The LORD is for me, so I will have no fear.  What can mere people do to me? Yes, the LORD is for me; he will help me.  I will look in triumph at those who hate me. It is better to take refuge in the LORD  than to trust in people. It is better to take refuge in the LORD  than to trust in princes. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt)

He will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock. Then I will hold my head high, above my enemies who surround me.

Psalms 27:5-6ClosePsalms 27:5-6 For he will conceal me there when troubles come;  he will hide me in his sanctuary.  He will place me out of reach on a high rock. Then I will hold my head high  above my enemies who surround me.At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy,  singing and praising the LORD with music. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt)

The LORD saves the godly; he is their fortress in times of trouble.

The LORD helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him.

Psalms 37:40ClosePsalms 37:40 The LORD helps them,  rescuing them from the wicked.He saves them,  and they find shelter in him. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt)

With God's help we will do mighty things, for he will trample down our foes.

Psalms 60:12ClosePsalms 60:12 With God's help we will do mighty things,  for he will trample down our foes. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt)

When the ways of people please the LORD, he makes even their enemies live at peace with them.

Proverbs 16:7CloseProverbs 16:7 When people's lives please the LORD,  even their enemies are at peace with them. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt)

Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but to trust the LORD means safety.

Proverbs 29:25CloseProverbs 29:25 Fearing people is a dangerous trap,  but trusting the LORD means safety. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt)

If people persecute you because you are a Christian, don't curse them; pray that God will bless them.

Instead, do what the Scriptures say: "If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink, and they will be ashamed of what they have done to you."

Romans 12:14-20CloseRomans 12:14-20 Bless those who persecute you. Don't curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don't be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all! Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,"I will take revenge;  I will pay them back,"*  says the LORD. Instead,"If your enemies are hungry, feed them.  If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.In doing this, you will heap  burning coals of shame on their heads."* OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt)

"You have heard that the law of Moses says, `Love your neighbor' and hate your enemies. But I say, love your enemy! Bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you. Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and on the unjust, too. If you love only those who love you, what good is that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect."

Matthew 5:43-48CloseMatthew 5:43-48 "You have heard the law that says, `Love your neighbor'* and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies!* Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends,* how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt)

The Book of God's Promises -- Copyright, 1999 by J. Stephen Lang. All rights reserved, used with permission.