Our scripture this morning is Romans 12:20-21 (NLT).
If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads. Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.
In this passage Paul quotes directly from Proverbs 25:21-22: “If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them water to drink. You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads, and the Lord will reward you.” The teaching to treat those who oppose us better than they treat us has always been part of God’s plan. God loves His children no matter what and calls us to do the same.
This is part of the upside down kingdom Jesus taught, where the last become first, we lead by serving and enemies are loved. It is the complete opposite of worldly behavior that advocates getting there first and having the most of everything. God wants us to value each other and our relationships more than anything.
It is not an easy thing to love our enemies, but God commands it. We must listen with our hearts to find a way to reach them. Spiritual warfare is harder than physical combat, and it can only be won by sharing God’s love with those who stand against us.
Heavenly Father, we are sorry for the times we allow our differences to separate us from each other and You. Forgive us and send us in Your name that all Your children may know Your love. Amen.
