Godly Opposition

Read Proverbs 25

If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them water to drink. You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads, and the LORD will reward you.

Proverbs 25:21-22

What is our natural reaction toward our enemies? Don’t we generally seek their ruin, rather than their well-being? But Jesus reversed the order: “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!” (Matthew 5:43-44). The apostle Paul reminded us to leave room for God’s vengeance, rather than seeking our own, and ended by saying, “Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good” (Romans 12:21). Perhaps our kindness in the face of adversity will help to change our enemies’ hearts and draw them to the Savior.

There is probably no greater training ground for the soul than the endurance course of treating enemies with kindness. If our vision of the Lord’s pleasure and reward are not clear or large enough, we may not even try. Perhaps the image of Jesus, forgiving his enemies while hanging on the cross, will help us endure—that, and the help he will give if we ask.

A WORD FOR TODAY

Enemies present opportunities to bless someone.

Today, Lord, help me to love my enemies. Show me your heart toward those around me, that I may walk in the love that comes only from you.