Should you love your neighbor and hate your enemy?

DEFINING THE QUESTION

The phrase “Should you love your neighbor and hate your enemy?” appears in Matthew 5:43, where it says, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’” The question arises from various interpretations of Old Testament commands and cultural norms, yet the scriptural teaching, as clarified by Christ, offers a more complete directive that transcends human inclinations to retaliate or despise.

OLD TESTAMENT ROOTS AND CONTEXT

Leviticus 19:18 states, “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.” While there is no explicit biblical command in the Old Testament that says “hate your enemy,” certain historical and cultural contexts may have led to an assumption that hatred of one’s enemy was permissible. For example, in times of war under the theocratic governance of ancient Israel, enemies often posed a significant threat to national and spiritual security.

However, other Old Testament passages emphasize unexpected kindness, even toward one’s adversaries. Exodus 23:4–5 teaches, “If you encounter your enemy’s stray ox or donkey, you must return it to him. If you see the donkey of one who hates you fallen under its load, do not leave him helpless; be sure you help him with it.” These instructions reveal an intent toward empathy and assistance—even for someone hostile toward you.

JESUS’ CLARIFICATION IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

Matthew 5:44–45 provides the clearest instruction regarding enemies: “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” This teaching marks a direct response to the idea that one should “hate” an enemy. Christ raises the moral standard by calling for active love, exemplified by prayer and goodwill toward persecutors.

This focus on love is not a dismissal of justice or consequence; rather, it reflects God’s character, who “causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good” (Matthew 5:45). It is an invitation to mirror divine mercy and grace, recognizing that the true essence of righteousness includes loving those who treat you unjustly.

RELEVANT TEACHINGS FROM THE EPISTLES

Several New Testament letters reiterate the theme of loving one’s neighbor and one’s enemy:

• Romans 12:20–21: “On the contrary, ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” These instructions echo the wisdom of Proverbs 25:21–22, demonstrating consistency between Old and New Testaments.

• Galatians 5:14: “The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” This central charge applies equally in challenging relationships, indicating that even those considered enemies fall under “neighbor” when it comes to showing love.

ILLUSTRATIONS FROM SCRIPTURE AND HISTORY

The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37)

Jesus highlights a Samaritan—a group despised by many in Israel—as the righteous example of neighborly love. When the Samaritan rescues a Jewish man attacked by robbers, he crosses societal barriers to show mercy. By framing a person from a group often treated as an enemy to be the one who cares, Jesus demonstrates that enemies can become neighbors through acts of compassion.

Early Christianity and Persecution

Historical accounts of the early church show believers caring for those outside their community, even for persecutors. For instance, Roman historians documented times of epidemics or disasters when Christians tended the sick and dying, regardless of religious affiliation. This practice of sacrificial love influenced the rapid spread of Christian faith in hostile environments, bearing witness to the power of Christ’s teaching on loving one’s enemies.

CHALLENGES AND MISUNDERSTANDINGS

Vengeance Versus Justice

A key misunderstanding arises when people equate love for enemies with the absence of justice. Biblical love does not dismiss legal or moral accountability; instead, it calls for an internal attitude of mercy and goodwill. In this balance, Christians are called to trust God’s ultimate justice while actively pursuing peace and kindness (Romans 12:19).

Imprecatory Psalms

Some passages, such as the imprecatory Psalms (e.g., Psalm 109), request judgment upon the wicked. These expressions arise from a deep longing for righteous vindication rather than from a command to perpetuate personal hatred. They reflect an honest outcry for divine intervention, ultimately acknowledging that judgment belongs to God, not to the individual seeking revenge.

HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE

From a manuscript perspective, both the Old and New Testament writings are preserved with remarkable consistency, as exemplified by ancient documents like the Dead Sea Scrolls. These centuries-old texts confirm that the central command to love one’s neighbor—originating in Leviticus—remains intact through subsequent scriptural witnesses. Archaeological evidence of early Christian communities, such as in the catacombs and various inscriptions, further corroborates a commitment to kindness and benevolence, even in the face of persecution.

THE ANSWER IN SUMMARY

All scriptural evidence consistently points to the principle that believers are not only to love their neighbors but also their enemies. Although people may have interpreted Old Testament laws as encouraging hatred toward external threats, the broader biblical narrative urges mercy, compassion, and extending kindness even to adversaries.

From the directives in Exodus to return and assist an enemy’s stray animal, to Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount calling for love of enemies, to Paul’s reminder not to be overcome by evil—Scripture’s unified testimony is that hatred is never the ideal. Rather, love, benevolence, and prayer for adversaries define the true follower of God.

APPLICATION FOR TODAY

1. Practical Compassion: Acting in tangible ways—helping someone in need, refusing to retaliate, and offering a kind word—can break cycles of animosity.

2. Prayerful Attitude: Praying for one’s enemies promotes a softer heart and aligns us with God’s perspective.

3. Trust in God’s Justice: Instead of seeking revenge, believers rely on God’s ultimate judgment and perfect righteousness.

CONCLUSION

In answer to “Should you love your neighbor and hate your enemy?” the consistent biblical teaching is that love should be extended to all, including those who oppose or mistreat you. By showing mercy and kindness, believers reflect the character of God and uphold the chief commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Galatians 5:14). This love fulfills the spirit of the Old Testament law and resonates with Jesus’ new covenant instructions, providing a powerful witness to the transformative grace of God.