Proverbs 25:21-22
“If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; For so you will heap coals of fire on his head, And the LORD will reward you.”
How do you combat an enemy? What tools and weapons do you have in your arsenal that will help you defeat your foes? Some would think to immediately go to the local pawn or gun shop and purchase a gun or a rifle. Others might think that a self-defense course, mastering the martial arts or developing skills in the sweet science of boxing will do just nicely.
But the Bible has a completely different point of view when it comes to dealing with your enemies. Not only is it different from the mindset of humanity itself, it is so radical that even the laws of nature bow to the will of God as it relates to reciprocity. While the world tells us to never forget how others have hurt us, the Bible says that we are to love and to pray for those who mistreat us, even our enemies. When Jesus tells us to pray for them, He is actually giving us a formula that will fill us with love for them (Matthew 5:43-48).
It’s been said that forgiving others is a healing balm for you, mentally, spiritually and physically. Forgiving someone has a way of pushing the negative thoughts out of the mind and replacing them with positive thoughts of God’s love for that person. Prayer is the mechanism that Jesus teaches us to use to activate forgiveness. It begins in your mind, then it manifests in the physical; “If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; For so you will heap coals of fire on his head, And the LORD will reward you.” Not only will your enemy be blessed (praise the Lord), but you’ll be rewarded too. Remember what Christ said about forgiveness; “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you” (Matthew 6:14 KJV).
It’s radical! It’s unusual! It’s peculiar! And it’s difficult! But it’s doable!!! Dare to take the Lord at His word and “don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect” (Romans 12:2 NLT). Because you have the hands of a servant, it’s possible.
Be Blessed +++
Rev. J. Loren Russell is an associate minister at both Goodwill and The Greater Universal Baptist Churches in the Bronx, President/CEO of The JLR Company for Church Financial &. Strategic Consulting, and hosts “Matters of Faith – The Radio Show” on Soul 1 Radio, Mondays 8:00 – 10:00 PM. Listen by phone” at 626-226-1448. Be sure to Friend “Matters of Faith” on Facebook and email us at mattersoffaith.mof@gmail.com. Order your copy of Matters of Faith: The Book at Book Blues.
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