Tag: feed enemy
Sunday rest and reflection: loving enemies
Dear Friends,
Greetings on this day of rest! One of the things that we as Christians can rest from is getting even! The competitive spirit that is in our flesh is always looking for ways to get even or make someone who hurts us suffer. The old saying “I don’t get mad, I get even!” has caused lots of trouble over the years. In this time of turmoil in our nation, followers of Christ Jesus must apply these truths daily and pray for our nation and its leaders to apply them as well.
As I read through the Proverbs, I noticed several scriptures dealing with this ancient problem of getting even. Proverbs 24:29 warns us not to say “I’ll do to him as he has done to me; I’ll pay that man back for what he did.” All vengeance belongs to God alone. Only He knows the heart of a person well enough to properly reward or punish that person for their wrong actions. God desires to forgive and heal the wrongs rather than judge anyone.
Proverbs 26:21-22 is another difficult scripture for us to understand and apply sometimes. It tells us to act in kindness toward our enemies and try to meet their needs. If they are hungry we are to feed them and if they are thirsty we are to give them something to drink. Our acts of kindness is likened to heaping burning coals on our enemy’s head. This purposeful act of love will bring the notice of God and He will reward us. It will also possibly produce a repentance and healing with our enemy whereas if we got even, we would only prolong the battle and bad attitudes would continue.
Jesus Christ perfectly exhibited this healthy attitude toward those who hated him. He purposely forgave them and asked God to forgive them. He taught His disciples to love their enemies and do good to those who would despitefully use them. (Matthew 5:43-48) Some of His final words were “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” (Matthew 23:34) These words exemplify the teaching of Jesus Christ and the love of the Father for those caught in sin and bondage!
May we be filled with the same love today for those who hate us and would despitefully use us! Take time and ask God to fill you again with His love for the lost and for our enemies! In His Love, Pastor John
The actions and attitudes of a Christ-follower!
Scripture reading for June 8th: Proverbs 8-10, Psalm 144, Romans 12
Key Scriptures: Romans 12:14-20 “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.””
Paul explained to the new Roman believers what following Christ looked like in everyday attitudes and actions. Christ’s attitudes and actions were very different from the culture they lived in. They were to live in humble harmony with all other believers, whether in joy or sorrow. They were to seek to bless and be a blessing with those persecuting them or active enemies. They were never to consider revenge or paying back evil for evil, because God’s Word plainly stated that revenge was God’s alone to give. Good would always triumph over evil as love never fails!
Psalm 144:15 “Blessed are the people to whom such blessings fall! Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord.”
Faith confession and prayer: Lord, You have blessed me with Your Holy Spirit, infilling my body I have dedicated to You. Help me to grow in grace and obedience in my attitudes and actions towards others.
Proverbs 8:34 “Blessed is the one who listens to Me, watching daily at My gates, waiting beside My doors.”
Overcoming evil!
Scripture reading for June 28th: Romans 12, Psalm 129, Proverbs 5
Key Scriptures: Romans 12:17-21 “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Paul was instructing the Romans in proper behavior for believers in Jesus. They were to offer their bodies as and living sacrifice and renew their minds. One area needing attention was revenge. Christ-followers must never take revenge into their own hands. They must instead do good to those who mistreat them in hope that they might see Jesus and be saved. God alone can repay but He would rather show mercy to a repentant sinner.
Faith Confession: Lord, to You alone belongs all judgment and repayment for wrongs. Lead me daily to do good to those who mistreat me because of You.
Proverbs 5:21 “For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the Lord; and He ponders all his paths.”