The 40 Day TBC Life Devotion

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; or by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head” (Romans 12:20, ESV).

This verse is a direct quote of Proverbs 25:21-22. The clear message is that we are to overcome hurtful evil with blessed good by meeting practical needs in the life of our antagonist. As Christians, we don’t curse or attempt to get even, we forgive and we bless.

The “burning coals on his head” reference lends itself to a few different interpretations:

1. One perspective relates to the importance of fire in the ancient biblical world. If you had no fire in your home for cooking or for heat, you would ask your neighbor for live coals in order to quickly relight your fire. In those days, just about everything was carried on one’s head—and these burning coals would also be carried in a container on top of the head. Sharing coals was an expected responsibility within the community. Next time, it might be you that needs the burning coals, and thus it was an act of community interdependence.

2. A second perspective is that this is metaphorically speaking of the shame that one might feel when their hurtful word of act is responded to with grace and love. Our blessing causes them to reconsider their ways and hopefully repent. This idea parrots Romans 2:4, “The kindness of God leads you to repentance.”

This is a core indicator of one’s relationship with Jesus. The way we respond to hardship, indicates the strength and maturity of our soul. We act like the world because we are of the world. We only act like Jesus when we are truly of Jesus.

“Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much” –Oscar Wilde

Who comes to mind as you read this devotional? How can you bless enemies? Will you do it?

Dave Samples