In what ways can you practically "feed" and "give drink" to adversaries? Setting the Scene “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.” (Romans 12:20) Paul quotes Proverbs 25:21-22 and places the command in a section that rejects revenge (vv. 17-19) and urges the overcoming of evil with good (v. 21). Scripture presents this as a literal act—real food, real drink—to a real adversary. Why Physical Kindness Disarms Hostility • Demonstrates God’s goodness that “leads you to repentance” (Romans 2:4). • Mirrors Christ, who fed multitudes—including future accusers (John 6). • Leaves justice with God while you obey His Word (Romans 12:19). • Opens doors for gospel witness (1 Peter 3:15). Everyday Situations Where This Fits • A coworker who gossips about you—bring coffee and a snack during the break. • A neighbor who files complaints—offer lemonade while helping trim their hedges. • An ex-spouse who speaks harshly—prepare a meal for their household when illness strikes. • A rival business owner—send a gift card to a local restaurant after they suffer loss. • An online critic—mail a small care package if you discover tangible need. Creative Ways to Offer Food and Drink Physical Provision • Keep shelf-stable snacks and water bottles in your car for anyone who harasses yet is visibly homeless. • Drop off groceries anonymously at the door of someone who slandered you. • Pay for the meal of a person who ridiculed your faith when you notice them in a restaurant line. Hospitality • Invite a difficult relative to Sunday dinner, giving them the seat of honor (Luke 14:12-14). • Host a backyard barbecue and include the neighbor whose music keeps you up at night. Community Outreach • Volunteer at a shelter that serves populations often hostile to Christian values. • Support prison ministry by funding commissary accounts of inmates who once harmed you personally. Addressing Emotional and Spiritual “Thirst” • Offer words of blessing instead of retaliation (Luke 6:28). • Send a handwritten note expressing genuine concern for an antagonist’s well-being. • Share Scripture portions that promise hope, coupled with a warm beverage delivery. • Provide practical help—childcare, transportation, job-search guidance—when adversaries face crises. Motives and Boundaries • Act from obedience and love, not passive aggression (1 Corinthians 13:3). • Maintain truth: feeding an enemy does not endorse wrongdoing (Proverbs 17:15). • Combine kindness with wise boundaries—Jesus escaped hostile crowds at times (John 10:39). • Pray privately for their repentance (Matthew 5:44), while your acts of mercy remain public. The Promise Attached • “Heap burning coals on his head” points to pricking the conscience, leading to conviction (Proverbs 25:22). • God turns simple bread and water into instruments that “overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). • He charts the justice side (Romans 12:19), freeing you to sow peace and reap righteousness (James 3:18). Living It Out Start with one tangible act this week toward someone who has opposed you. Real food, real drink, real grace—trusting the Lord of Scripture, who always keeps His word, to do the heart work only He can accomplish. |
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