How can you practically "give him food" to your enemy today? Understanding the Call “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.” (Proverbs 25:21) The instruction is straightforward and literal—respond to an adversary’s tangible need with tangible care. It is not optional; it is a direct command grounded in God’s unchanging Word. Seeing the Pattern in Scripture • Exodus 23:4–5: Returning a stray animal or helping an enemy’s donkey under a burden shows mercy even under the Old Covenant. • Matthew 5:44: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” • Romans 12:20 (quoting Proverbs 25:21): “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink.” The thread is clear—God consistently calls His people to active kindness toward adversaries. Practical Ways to “Give Him Food” Literal provisions • Hand-deliver a meal or grocery bag when an enemy’s family faces illness, job loss, or crisis. • Pay for their lunch at work or school without fanfare. • Drop off fresh bread or a casserole at their door with a simple note: “Thinking of you today.” Unexpected acts of service • Offer to babysit, mow a lawn, or shovel snow when they’re overwhelmed. • Send a gas or grocery gift card anonymously through the mail. • Contribute to a fundraiser that benefits them, even if no one knows you gave. Relational kindness • Invite the person to coffee and listen more than you talk. • Speak well of them when others are tempted to gossip. • Send an encouraging text on a difficult anniversary or milestone. Community and global opportunities • Support a relief organization aiding people from a nation or group hostile to your beliefs. • Volunteer at a local shelter where those who oppose you may be served. • Forgive a debt or extend generous payment terms to a difficult client. Living It Out in Everyday Scenes Workplace — Bring breakfast for the coworker who undermines you. — Offer project help without reminding them of past offenses. Family — Cook a favorite dish for a relative who hurt you. — Include them in holiday plans, ensuring they feel genuinely welcomed. Online — Send a private message apologizing for harsh words and offer to talk offline. — Share an article or resource that benefits them professionally. Neighborhood — Help an antagonistic neighbor move furniture or haul trash cans. — Water their plants while they’re away. Checking the Heart • Motive matters; give because God commands it, not to appear superior. • Expect nothing in return—your reward is with the Lord (Luke 6:35). • Guard against passive-aggressive “kindness.” Genuine love seeks their good. • Pray privately for God’s blessing over them, aligning your attitude with your actions. Why This Matters When you feed an enemy, you mirror Christ, who “while we were enemies… reconciled us to God through the death of His Son” (Romans 5:10). Such obedience: • Displays the gospel’s power in real time. • Softens hardened hearts—sometimes theirs, always yours. • Leaves vengeance with God, freeing you from bitterness (Romans 12:19). • Shines as light in a hostile world, proving the wisdom of Proverbs 25:21 is as relevant today as the day it was penned. |
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