Peace with Enemies

“When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” (Prov. 16:7)

Everyone has enemies

Even Jesus, despite his perfection, faced opposition from religious leaders who harbored jealousy. People encounter enemies in various forms, such as childhood bullies, jealous coworkers, unkind neighbors, highway road-ragers, divisive employees, or even mean-spirited “friends” or toxic relatives. Here’s how the Bible puts it:

“For wicked and deceitful mouths are opened against me, speaking against me with lying tongues. They encircle me with words of hate, and attack me without cause. In return for my love they accuse me, but I give myself to prayer. So they reward me evil for good, and hatred for my love.” (Psalm 109:2-5) 

How you should treat enemies

Even though it goes against human nature, God commands us to love our enemies and to counter their unkind acts with kindness and generosity.

“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” (Luke 6:27-31 ESV) 

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.” (Rom. 12:14)

Therefore

Let the Lord fight your battles for you.

“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me.” (Psalm 138:7 ESV) 

“But if you carefully obey his voice and do all that I say, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries.” (Exo. 23:22)

“The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” (Exo. 14:14)