Proverbs 24-26

July 14

Proverbs 24-26

"If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you." (Proverbs 25:21-22, NIV)

These are difficult words to understand, let alone live out in our daily lives. But Jesus said; “love your enemies.” We do not love because someone deserves our love. Love is a choice. Love is action not a feeling. When someone comes against us and we respond with anger or resistance, we perpetuate the hate. If we respond with love, our enemy may become our ally.

Paul quoted this proverb in his letter to the Romans; "Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:19-21, NIV) Many of us respond to evil by seeking revenge. God wants us to trust Him. Allow Him to bring judgment. He will judge rightly. Often we do not have all the facts. We respond in the moment and we are overcome with evil. But if we stop before we react and counter intuitively respond with love, we can turn the tide.

God can change hearts when we reflect His love to those who do not deserve it. After all Jesus loved us though we have turned away from him and rejected Him. He died on the cross and instead of seeking revenge, He cried out “Father forgive them.” What better way to imitate Jesus than to love our enemies.