Scripture for Today:  Proverbs 25:21-22  “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.”

Some folks are not so happy to see what they feel are these ugly receptacles on the beach.  But having them there means people can continue to have bonfires in the rings provided or cook with charcoal.  No more killing trees with dumping coals or ash near their base.  No more accidents with coals still hot, buried in the sand.

Our verse for today has another use for burning coals.  There has been a lot of speculation as to the meaning.  Some believe that sharing hot coals with your enemy is another act of kindness, ensuring that his hearth fire is not extinguished.  Others believe it is an expression that means to shame the enemy into repentance.  Still others believe that if one’s enemy does not respond to good works done for them, they are somehow under greater condemnation.  In any case, the message is clear that to respond to an enemy by serving him is commended by the Lord and rewarded.

Loving one’s enemies, praying for them and meeting their needs is completely opposed to my natural inclination!  Yet, it is what God calls me to do.  Romans 12:20 repeats this verse while also teaching that vengeance belongs to the Lord.  Whatever evil I have suffered at the hands of an enemy is repaid by His perfect justice.  I cannot overcome evil by taking revenge in my own hands.  I only make things worse.  I overcome evil by responding with good towards that person.  Leaving room for the wrath of God is revenge enough.

Lord, keep me trusting in your perfect justice!