The Bible recommends that we treat an enemy kindly, stating that by doing so, we “will be heaping burning coals on his head.” ( Prov. God “is kind toward the unthankful and wicked.” ( Luke 6:35) He “makes his sun rise on . . . the wicked.”- Matthew 5:45. Should you go to war against your enemies? “Continue to love your enemies and to pray for those who persecute you.”- Matthew 5:43, 44. ( Luke 23:33, 34) His teachings about loving our enemies harmonize with what is stated in the Hebrew Scriptures, commonly called the Old Testament.- Exodus 23:4, 5 Proverbs 24:17 25:21. Jesus demonstrated love for his enemies by forgiving those who mistreated him.
In his famous Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said: “Love your enemies.” ( Matthew 5:44 Luke 6:27, 35) His words mean that we should act lovingly toward those who hate us or treat us unjustly.
