Proverbs 25:21-22 "If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: (22) For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee."
We have to understand there are two standards of actions
concerning the manner we treat other people. There is the way of the world and
then there is Jesus' way. Which do we choose? On the night that Jesus was
betrayed into the hands of the Roman soldiers, He told His disciples,
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world
giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be
afraid." (John 14:27) Solomon understood this principle somewhat. There
are two ways to meet opposition. We can try to push back to get even - or - We
can use a good dose of kindness. Kindness has the ability to put out the fire
of wrath and anger. But even if it doesn't, I love the last part of verse 22:
"The LORD shall reward thee." There is no greater joy in this
life than to know we have done what God would have us to do, no matter how it
is received by others. I can't control the actions of others, but God tells me
to keep my emotions in check. "He that hath no rule over his own spirit is
like a city that is broken down, and without walls." (Proverbs 25:28)
My writing is short and to the point this morning. I close with a song by Glen Campbell...
Try a Little Kindness
by Glen Campbell
You've got to try a little kindness
Yes, show a little kindness
Just shine your light for everyone to see
And if you try a little kindness
Then you'll overlook the blindness
Of narrow-minded people on the narrow-minded streets