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April 27 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you. Proverbs 25:21,22. This is one of the proverbs of Solomon that was discovered years later by King Hezekiah. It is often understood. When I first heard it I imagined that God was somehow pleased when I inflicted burning coals on the head of my enemies. No, it is not pain that God intends to see—it is the repentance associated with the change of heart that the enemy experiences when he sees your kind behavior toward him. Oh that we would learn this valuable parable and practice what it teaches. As I think back on episodes where I was unfairly attacked for my beliefs, it strikes me that at the time I did not understand what was going on. I had no reaction, but that was likely to be the proper response. We are not to react—we are to remain calm. A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (Proverbs 15:1). Yes, I thank the Lord for a silent tongue in these situations. On the other hand there often is the need for actions that may help our enemies find repentance. A kind word at the right time can produce calm. We need to pray for our enemies and wish the best of life for them. Pray for opportunities to help them with some token of food (my wife has often baked a cake for those who cause us grief). When the time is right offer them the hospitality of your home. Thank You Father that the key to knowing You is found by repentance. Often we frail humans can be used to prompt others to repentance—not by our own power but by the workings of Your Spirit within us. Help me today to see Your ways of kind words and actions that will touch the hearts of those who are hostile to Your word. Thank You for using us to Your glory. Amen.
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