In my devotional time this morning I read this:
Whoever sings songs to a heavy heart is like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, and like vinegar on soda. 21 If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, 22 for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you. (Proverbs 25:20-22)
Proverbs communicates how to wisely relate to people differently given the circumstances. Do not come in with joyful songs if someone has a heavy heart. We are to sit with them, listen to them, and carry a similar sorrowful attitude to identify with them. Do not enter their presence in a joyful mood and tell them flippantly to ‘cheer up!’ That is the last thing we need when we are in a downcast mood.
Also, if you have an enemy or someone who seems to be against you, you are to treat them with kindness. Give them what they need. The text says “for you will heap burning coals on their head,” as if that is a positive thing. What is the intended meaning here? The apostle Paul quotes this phrase in the Epistle to the Romans:
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another…19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:15-20)
It should always be our perspective to live in harmony with one another – even with enemies.
The understanding is that your kindness and service to them will lead them to repent and turn to the Lord who loves them. The coals of fire represent the 'burning pangs of shame." You overcome evil by good and encourage even your enemies to repent. There is no guarantee but we hope they will because we are called to love them. We are also, in this way, being like Christ.
When you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps (1 Peter 2:20-21).
Let's be like Christ and be willing to love everyone even if we suffer while doing so.
