Proverbs 25:21-22 (ESV)

21 If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat,

and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink,

22 for you will heap burning coals on his head,

and the Lord will reward you.

The wise father teaches his son that when he sees the neighbor who hates him in need, hungry, or thirsty, he should give his enemy food to quench his appetite or water to quench his thirst. Why in the world should the son respond with kindness to one who hates him? By doing this, the son will drive his enemy to repentance, and in addition, God will repay the kindness. The burning coals mentioned are probably the good deeds themselves, which create a sense of shame within the hateful neighbor. The reward God promises may even refer to reconciliation between the two who are at odds. How do you treat those who set themselves against you? Do you extend kindness to them in the same way Jesus extends his kindness to you? Or do you demand repayment from those who have hurt your feelings? God’s children should be known as compassionate and not vengeful.

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