TREAT FOE LIKE FRIEND

READING: PROVERBS 25:21-22

Verse 22: “For so you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the lord will reward you.”

People are very much conditioned to desire and to expect direct rewards for what they do. In fact, many are not willing to commit to anything unless the reward is clearly established, visible, and provided “up front”. If governed by this common expectation, Proverbs 25 would provide the following message: Give bread to eat to your hungry enemy, and water to drink to your thirsty enemy; and your grateful enemy will reward you.” However, that is not the promise of this passage. It is certainly true that these verses do instruct the reader to give bread and water to needy enemies. The difference is that it most certainly does not create the expectation of reward from the enemy. We are not being motivated to give in order to obtain something to be received in return. Instead, it states that it is the Lord who will reward kindnesses shown in the manner described. It is also stated in the Book of Proverbs that, “...he who sows righteousness will have a sure reward.” (Prov 11:18). We know that our Lord is the Sure Rewarder! That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What would you say to an enemy while displaying this type of kindness?

2. How do you think the Lord might reward this type of kindness?