Forgiving your enemies is one of the most difficult things God asks us to do. When someone hurts you deeply, the natural reaction is to hold on to anger, seek revenge, or avoid the person altogether. But Scripture teaches something radically different. God calls us to forgive not just our friends but also those who have wronged us—our enemies.
Why? Because forgiveness reflects God’s love, releases us from bitterness, and leads to peace. The Bible offers both comfort and challenge when it comes to forgiving our enemies. It teaches that forgiveness isn’t a sign of weakness but a powerful act of faith and spiritual maturity.
If you’re struggling with unforgiveness or looking for strength to let go of past hurt, these verses can help guide your heart and mind. Below are 15 Bible verses about forgiving your enemies, each offering practical insight and spiritual encouragement.
1. Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Explanation:
Jesus sets a high standard for love. Instead of harboring hate, He calls us to respond with love and prayer—even toward those who mistreat us.
2. Luke 6:27-28
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
Explanation:
This verse challenges us to go beyond passive forgiveness. It calls us to actively bless and do good to our enemies, mirroring God’s grace.
3. Romans 12:20
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Explanation:
Instead of seeking revenge, we’re encouraged to respond with kindness. This unexpected grace can soften hearts and show God’s love in action.
4. Proverbs 24:17
“Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice.”
Explanation:
This verse reminds us not to take pleasure in others’ failures—even our enemies’. True forgiveness means wishing them well, not harm.
5. Ephesians 4:31-32
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Explanation:
Forgiveness starts with letting go of toxic emotions. We’re called to treat others with compassion, just as God has shown compassion to us.
6. Matthew 6:14
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”
Explanation:
Jesus connects our forgiveness of others with God’s forgiveness toward us. Forgiving your enemies opens your heart to receive God’s grace.
7. Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Explanation:
We forgive not because people always deserve it—but because we have been forgiven by God. His example is our standard.
8. Romans 12:19
“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
Explanation:
Vengeance belongs to God, not us. Letting go of the need for revenge allows God to handle justice in His perfect way and time.
9. 1 Peter 3:9
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
Explanation:
God blesses those who respond to evil with kindness. Forgiving your enemies invites spiritual blessings and peace into your life.
10. Proverbs 25:21-22
“If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.”
Explanation:
This verse echoes the New Testament command to love our enemies. Unexpected kindness can awaken remorse and lead to transformation.
11. Luke 23:34
“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’”
Explanation:
Even on the cross, Jesus forgave those who crucified Him. His words show the depth of divine love and offer the ultimate example of forgiving enemies.
12. Acts 7:60
“Then he fell on his knees and cried out, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he fell asleep.”
Explanation:
Stephen, the first Christian martyr, forgave his killers as he was dying. His prayer mirrors Jesus’ and challenges us to forgive even in great pain.
13. 1 John 4:20
“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.”
Explanation:
Loving God and hating others can’t coexist. This verse pushes us to examine our hearts and root out hatred, even toward those who hurt us.
14. Matthew 18:21-22
“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’”
Explanation:
Jesus teaches that forgiveness is limitless. Whether it’s a friend or an enemy, we’re called to forgive continually and completely.
15. Galatians 5:14
“For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Explanation:
Love is the foundation of Christian living. Even our enemies fall under the command to love—because love transforms hearts and reflects Christ.
Forgiving Your Enemies: A Path to Freedom
Forgiving your enemies doesn’t mean forgetting the hurt or pretending it didn’t happen. It means releasing the weight of bitterness, trusting God with justice, and choosing love over hate. As hard as it may be, forgiveness brings freedom—to your heart, your mind, and your relationship with God.
These Bible verses about forgiving your enemies remind us that God’s way is not the world’s way. His love reaches even those who seem unlovable, and He calls us to follow His example. It may not be easy, but it is possible—with God’s help.
Now it’s your turn: Which bible verse about forgiving your enemies speaks to you the most? Have you experienced healing through forgiveness? Share your favorite verses, thoughts, or testimonies in the comments—we’d love to hear from you.