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

Isaiah 53:6; John 3:16; 2 Peter 3:9 See also Genesis 18:32; Lamentations 3:33; Ezekiel 18:23; Matthew 5:45; Romans 5:8, Romans 8:32; 2 Corinthians 5:19; 1 John 4:9–10

We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all.

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.

The example of Jesus Christ

Matthew 23:37 parallel Luke 13:341 Peter 3:18 See also Isaiah 53:5; Matthew 20:28 parallel Mark 10:45; Luke 23:34; Romans 5:6; 2 Corinthians 5:14, 2 Corinthians 8:9; Hebrews 13:12; 1 Peter 2:21, 1 Peter 2:24; 1 John 2:2

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!

For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit,

God's people must love their enemies

Leviticus 19:18; Luke 6:35–36 See also Exodus 23:4; Proverbs 24:17, Proverbs 25:21; Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:27; Colossians 3:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:15; 2 Timothy 2:25; 1 Peter 3:9

Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.

But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Examples of love for enemies

Genesis 50:20–21 Joseph; Numbers 12:13; 1 Samuel 24:17, 1 Samuel 26:21; 2 Samuel 19:23; 2 Kings 6:22 the king of Israel; Acts 7:60 Stephen; Acts 9:17 Ananias; 1 Corinthians 4:12