Meeting an enemy's need with kindness can change the relationship and honors God.
“If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.”Proverbs 25:21-22 (KJV)
What does “Feeding an enemy” mean in Proverbs 25:21-22?
The proverb tells us to feed a hungry enemy. The image of heaping coals of fire on his head is often understood as kindness stirring up shame or regret that leads to a change of heart.
Going deeper
The proverb says, If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee. Paul quotes this in Romans 12 and follows it with the instruction to overcome evil with good. The practical advice is remarkable: meet the needs of those who oppose you. Many understand the coals as the burning of conscience that kindness can awaken.
Our motive matters. We are not to be kind in order to make someone feel bad, but because God calls us to love, and because kindness may soften a hard heart. Is there someone who has treated you as an enemy? Ask God whether there is a small kindness you could offer, a meal, a helpful gesture, a greeting. You cannot control how they respond, but you can act as one who follows Christ.
Reflect
What small kindness could you offer to someone who has opposed or hurt you?
Pray
Lord, help me to meet the needs of those who oppose me. Give me a heart of kindness, and use it to bring peace. In Jesus' name, amen.
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