Bible verses for children
Care beyond your circle.
Matthew 5:44
But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you,
Matthew 5:44 · World English Bible Classic (WEB)
In simple words
What does this verse mean?
Loving enemies means refusing to make hatred our guide. We can pray for their change and wellbeing while keeping boundaries. Love does not require approving wrongdoing or staying close to danger.
Pray that someone acting cruelly will change, and ask an adult to help stop the harm.
Talk about it
How can you want someone’s good while refusing harmful behaviour?
A little more to explore
Bible context & readings +
Matthew 5:43–48 extends love beyond friends and describes God’s generosity in sun and rain. The teaching challenges selective kindness; it does not remove justice, accountability or the need for protection.
Full readings at eBible.org · World English Bible Classic. Read with an adult.A simple prayer +
God, turn hearts from cruelty and keep hatred from guiding us. Amen.
A suggested prayer, written for this guide.