Read
21 If your enemies are hungry,
give them something to eat.
And if they are thirsty,
give them something
to drink.
22This will be the same
as piling burning coals
on their heads.
And the Lord
will reward you.
Reflect
It’s easy to read this passage and think that it’s solely about you, your enemies, and your beef – that is, the issue between you, though it could also be the food you’re serving them if you take this proverb literally. But the thing is, this proverb isn’t about you. And it’s not about your enemies either. It’s about God’s glory. Isn’t that what life always comes down to, if you look hard enough?
I’m not saying don’t feed your enemies when they’re hungry, or give them something to drink when they’re thirsty. By all means, please do. Jesus even emphasizes that we should do this when he’s giving his sermon on the mount, in Matthew 5:44. Don’t just feed your enemies – LOVE them. But don’t do it for you, thinking to yourself as you feed them, “Oh, I can’t wait for all the burning coals that are coming your way, bub.” No, do it for God’s glory. Instead of seeking your own revenge, leave that to God. Put your trust in him, and show love to those who have hurt you. Now not only are you trusting him, but you’re reflecting his character. And that brings him glory.
Let God be God. After all, only he can judge a person’s heart (1 Samuel 16:7). You just focus on loving people, hard as that can be, and let God take care of the rest.
Respond
Heavenly Father, full of justice and mercy, you love your people. Please fill me with that love so that I, too, can love your people. Help me not to seek revenge, but to trust you so that by my actions, you will be glorified. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Larissa Benfey
Larissa is a Toronto based actor and writer who has dabbled in everything from scripts to short stories, and is now setting her sights on novels. Having studied English and history at Tyndale University and Seminary, she loves a good story, but her favorite stories always have happy endings - which is part of why she loves the true story of the Gospel so much.