Romans 12:20a On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
Today’s verses have me thinking about the word enemy. Google defines an enemy as “a person who is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something.” Does it make someone my enemy just because they have been mean to me? Does it make them my enemy if they have been mean to someone I love?
Romans 12:20b …if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
And what about those people who are truly, truly vile–denying others basic human rights, killing them? Am I supposed to “kill them with kindness,” too? Jesus says yes. That’s a hard one for me. Being kind to someone who is not kind. I can do it. I have done it. And it *is* better than the alternative–being mean and spiteful and bitter. Those emotions leech into my soul, and Jesus doesn’t want that for me.
Romans 12:20c …In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Precious Savior, Thank You that You do not want me to give in to anger, bitterness, and spite. Thank You that You call me to a higher way and for giving me plentiful examples, like praying for those who persecute You, even as You were taking Your last breath. Help me, Jesus, to love like You love. Help me not to be mean and petty in return for others’ meanness and pettiness. Help me. Amen.
Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Have a blessed day.