Love Your Enemies
Therefore, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
Romans 12:20
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In the ancient world, burning coals could represent judgment (“Let burning coals fall upon them”—Psalm 140:10) or repentance (ancient Egyptian rituals of repentance involved carrying a basin of glowing coals upon one’s head). It is this latter sense that is most likely in view in Proverbs 25:21-22 and Romans 12:20. So what might cause our enemy to repent? Food if he is hungry or drink if he is thirsty. In other words, Christian love and compassion.
Christians (along with all nonmilitant Islamists) have a human enemy in this world. That enemy is the radical, minority part of Islam that wreaks terror upon all who don’t share their worldview. Radical Islam’s goal is to use any means necessary to take over the world in the name of Allah. So how should Christians respond to those who embrace radical religious persuasions? Just as Scripture commands: with love. Jesus said we are to love our enemies just as we love our neighbors (Matthew 5:43-44).
Your personal enemy may not be a terrorist, but all enemies are to get the same treatment: love and service in the name of Christ.
You never so touch the ocean of God’s love as when you forgive and love your enemies.
Corrie ten Boom
Recommended Reading: Matthew 5:43-47
Read through the Bible: Luke 14:1-16:31