Proverbs 25:21–22: If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; For so you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the Lord will reward you.
Insight
Kindness to one’s enemy-giving him food and water– is like heaping burning coals on his head (quoted by Paul in Rom. 12:20). Sometimes a person’s fire went out and he needed to borrow some live coals to restart his fire. Giving a person coals in a pan to carry home “on his head” was a neighborly, kind act; it made friends, not enemies. Also the kindness shown in giving someone food and water makes him ashamed of being an enemy, and brings God’s blessing on the benefactor. Compassion, not revenge, should characterize believers. 1
Application
In Matthew 5:44, Jesus also wisely taught us how to respond to difficult people. He said:
“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”
Is there someone in your life that does not deserve your kindness, but because Jesus wants to change your heart and attitude on this matter, you are considering to respond differently? What if you did the unexpected and bestowed unconditional love and kindness upon this person, as if you were doing it unto the Lord? Will you allow the grace of God to lead you this way? Will you respond like Jesus this week?
Motivation
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21
You can react with justification, or you can respond with unconditional love. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, please change my way of thinking, so I respond more like You, and less like me.
1. Walvoord, John F., & Zuck, R. B., Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary:
