17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 Therefore:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:17-21
David learned this lesson when he went to court and worked for Saul. He would not attack the Lord’s appointed, anointed leader, even when that man was seeking to harm him. The Lord refined this character trait in David through the clarifying ministry of a woman named Abigail. Her story of teaching the future king is in 1 Samuel 25. She goes to intercede between her foolish husband and the future king of Israel. Her words stop David from self-promoting vengeance. She is quick to point out that when David rules all Israel he will have no regrets if he lets the Lord fight his personal battles while he stays focused on serving God’s purpose. Her husband dies less than two weeks after his brush with David’s wrath. Scripture says he was struck dead by the Lord. David married Abigail when he heard that her husband was dead because he knew she was a wise woman.
When David’s own son tried to take the throne from him (2 Samuel 16:5-14), he was forced to flee his capital so that the civilians would not be hurt in the conflict. As he fled one of Saul’s relatives stood on the roadside cursing David and his men, throwing stones at them. Abishai, one of David’s commanders offered to bring his head to David. David refused the offer and let God judge between them. He walked on with his army to a place of refreshment.
When we are kind to people who are harsh with us we stoke their inner fire with new coals. We load them up with our warmth so that they have a chance to regain their cold heart. If they don’ t then God will deal with them and our hands will be clean. We can stay focused on the work God has put before us.
We can over come evil with good if we refuse to do evil in return. If we turn to attack we become like the evil ones we are trying to help. They have changed us we haven’t changed them. Proverbs 18:14 says, “The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, But who can bear a broken spirit?” We cant let evil break our spirit. We can’t participate in evil to stop evil! We have to stay close to God so that our spirit will be nourished by His Spirit. Then we will be able to stay strong in the face of the attacks of others.
Pouring Coals, Stoking Fires,
Pastor Jason
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