Scripture to Read: Romans 12:19–21
We finish today with Romans 12:19–21. God taught us yesterday that we’re never to pay back evil, no matter what we think someone else deserves. In Romans 12:19, God says, Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. God used the word “never” again to ensure we understand that there are zero exceptions to His command. But now we know why He says “never.” God says, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” We must stay out of God's way as He accomplishes His perfect will. Not only are we to “never take revenge,” but God tells us in Romans 12:20, “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Now, we might think, this is great because as I’m serving, I get to “heap burning coals on his head,” as if we still get a little revenge, but we’d be wrong. As God had Paul quote from Proverbs 25:21–22, to “heap burning coals” on someone was to give them what they desperately needed. If someone’s coal diminished, they could not cook, warm their home, bathe with warm water, and so on. So, the person would go to their neighbors with a small cauldron on their head, asking them to share their burning coals. The neighbor would “heap burning coals on his head,” supplying them with what they needed. We must “overcome evil with good.”
Challenge & Application
· What was God’s greatest challenge for you today, and how will you walk in obedience to His challenge?
· How can you “heap burning coals” on someone this week that has hurt you?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!