We will face enemies in this life. Some are rightfully our enemies because they are evildoers. Others are ignorant people who don’t know any better than what they say and do. How should we respond? Its going to sound trite. Get ready. Ughhh… “love the sinner, hate the sin”. Dogs. I really dislike sayings like this. But, its helpful. When I face an enemy, can I separate what they are doing and stand for… which is contrary to God- and still somehow see the person as one for whom Christ died? Can I love them because God does. We were all enemies of the cross at one point. Tough to do, easy to say. Solomon opened up this concept in the Proverbs.
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. Proverbs 25:21-22 NASB
The apostle Paul picked up on this theme in his letter to the Romans. “Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written: “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Who do I tend to despise because of the evil they do? Is there any way to love the people in the midst of it?
God, as this day begins- again I find myself by Your providence ministering to hurting people who have lost loved ones. Would you give me Your Words for them. And when I get frustrated and when I stand against enemies and evil, may I call out to You, even as Jesus did “Father, forgive them, they don’t know what they are doing”.
