8301 love, and enemies

God loves even those who oppose him and believers must follow his example in loving their enemies.

God’s love for sinners

Isa 53:6; Jn 3:16; 2Pe 3:9 See also Ge 18:32; La 3:33; Eze 18:23; Mt 5:45; Ro 5:8; Ro 8:32; 2Co 5:19; 1Jn 4:9-10

The example of Jesus Christ

Mt 23:37 pp Lk 13:34 1Pe 3:18 See also Isa 53:5; Mt 20:28 pp Mk 10:45; Lk 23:34; Ro 5:6; 2Co 5:14; 2Co 8:9; Heb 13:12; 1Pe 2:21,24; 1Jn 2:2

God’s people must love their enemies

Lev 19:18; Lk 6:35-36 See also Ex 23:4; Pr 24:17; Pr 25:21; Mt 5:44; Lk 6:27; Col 3:13; 1Th 5:15; 2Ti 2:25; 1Pe 3:9

Examples of love for enemies

Ge 50:20-21 Joseph; Nu 12:13; 1Sa 24:17; 1Sa 26:21; 2Sa 19:23; 2Ki 6:22 the king of Israel; Ac 7:60 Stephen; Ac 9:17 Ananias; 1Co 4:12

See also