What is the meaning of Romans 12:20? On the contrary Paul has just told us not to avenge ourselves (Romans 12:19). Now, in a complete reversal of natural instinct, he says, “On the contrary.” Rather than pay back wrong with wrong, we are called to active good. Jesus said the same in Matthew 5:44: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Peter echoed it: “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing” (1 Peter 3:9). The pattern is unmistakable: genuine faith treats hostility with generosity. If your enemy is hungry, feed him The command is simple and literal. Hunger is one of the most basic human needs; meeting it demonstrates love in unmistakable terms. • God’s people have always been urged to show kindness, even to foes. Exodus 23:4–5 pictures returning a stray donkey to an enemy. • Jesus multiplied bread for crowds who would later cry, “Crucify Him!” (John 6:10–14; 19:15). • In 2 Kings 6:21–23, Elisha refused to let Israel slaughter captured Arameans; instead he ordered a meal for them, and the raiders stopped coming. Feeding an enemy may cost us time, money, and comfort, yet it mirrors the Lord who “sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous” (Matthew 5:45). if he is thirsty, give him a drink Thirst intensifies need. Offering water when someone is vulnerable disarms hostility. Think of Jesus at Jacob’s well, asking a Samaritan woman for a drink and then giving her living water (John 4:7–14). Proverbs 25:21—Paul’s source here—pairs hunger and thirst because both spotlight practical love. Even a cup of cold water, Jesus said, brings reward (Matthew 10:42). Meeting a tangible need opens hearts to deeper spiritual truth. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head. This vivid image isn’t a promise of secret revenge; it describes the sting of conviction that kindness often ignites. • When David spared Saul in the cave, Saul wept and confessed, “You are more righteous than I” (1 Samuel 24:16–18). David’s mercy piled “coals” on Saul’s conscience. • God’s kindness aims at repentance (Romans 2:4). Loving deeds toward enemies may break their hardened resistance and lead them to God. • If the enemy refuses to repent, the coals become evidence of rejected grace when God judges (Psalm 140:10; Proverbs 25:22’s next line: “and the LORD will reward you”). Either way, we overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21), leaving vengeance to God while we keep our witness clear. summary Romans 12:20 calls believers to meet an enemy’s basic needs—food and drink—turning hostility into an opportunity for grace. Such practical love mirrors Christ, pricks consciences, and leaves judgment with God. By blessing enemies, we refuse to be mastered by evil and instead display the conquering power of good. |
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