If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. (Romans 12:20)
Paul wrote in Romans 12:19: “It is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” It is always dangerous for anyone to take into their own hands what is rightfully God’s prerogative.
God knows what is right. He is just in all He does. He can be trusted to right any wrong. He also can be trusted to vindicate anyone’s actions or attitudes. It is gracious on our part to leave room for God to do His thing and not take it into our own hands. It is also the loving thing to do.
If we choose to do anything Paul goes on to say in Romans 12:20, quoting from Proverbs 25:21-22, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Remember the context here includes the fact that you have been wronged or persecuted. Someone has done evil toward you, and in spite of your positive responses, they have rejected you. You have been hurt and your name and reputation have been besmirched.
What do you do in this kind of situation? If the one who has done this to you is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink!
Why should you respond in this way? First, God tells us to do this. Obedience is better than sacrifice. Second, it will benefit you. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Third, it gives the one who has hurt you a reason for reconsidering his obstinate-ness and the option of responding in a more gracious way. That is a win, win initiative. It is God’s way to overcome evil with good.
It is always dangerous to take into your own hands what is rightfully God’s prerogative.
