My discussion today, is about care in choosing only one verse, as we have been doing this month. Occasionally we have used a second one to help explain or broaden our main text. But today, I want to make an example of a classic mistake.
Today’s Reflection: My mother used the verse following this one as an anchor verse in her life. Please allow me to explain, that my precious mother, was born with what others thought was a disability. Someone in her childhood made certain she didn’t see it that way. But the derision and hurtful things that people said and did down through the years because of it, made her tough and somewhat defensive. She leaned heavily on the saying: “Sticks and stones will break your bones, but words will never hurt you.” And she often quoted the verse following today’s verse. It reads: “For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his (your enemy’s) head, and the Lord shall reward you.” Mother quoted it, “Heap coals of fire upon their heads!!” period. The way she used it, sounded like she really would pour coals and whatever else hot she could get hold of, but the Lord was holding her back. LOL However, she really did convey to me, that even given the opportunity to do something painful to the person who seeks to hurt you, you should always leave the consequences of their actions to the Lord. But she relished in the thought of what the Lord promised to do. I think it kept her going sometimes. She could almost see her enemy in the “flames of Hell,” for hurting her.
Mother never really quoted the whole context, and boy was I relieved when I found it for myself and read today’s part of the text. It’s important to get a verse in context!
A more modern phrase reflects its true meaning. By treating an enemy just the same as we would a friend or family member, “we put the ball in their court.” Mother’s attitude was right in that she expected God to be the judge for the enemy’s due. And she was right in one more element, which is unspoken here. It takes courage, and inner fortitude to see the real needs of our enemies. Is someone who has hurt you, suffering physically, emotionally, or financially? Are they after your job, because they need a job? Do they curse and lash out at God because they feel deserted by God and his “so called people.” What are the needs of your enemy? This verse is asking us to be God’s servant and show the enemy who our precious Lord really is, so maybe they can decide not to be the enemy any more. I’ve seen acting upon this verse turn my enemy around more than once in my life. And the reward, sometimes, can be that we gain a really close friend, who loves the Lord.
The practical application is to not respond in like kind. And to send up immediate prayers for our enemy’s well being. Try to ask yourself – what might I do if I were in their shoes? Respond to their need, not their hurtful words and works.
Today’s Prayer: Lord, I have been there, when you made my enemy to become my friend. Honoring this verse can change lives. Open our eyes to the needs of our enemies. And then help them, when we put the ball in their court. Help them see you through us. I can’t get them out of their pain, and giving them more pain, won’t make them stop being my enemy. Only you can turn my enemy to an ally. Help and bless my enemies in their time of need. May the thought of us doing the opposite of what they expected, and exactly what you wanted us to do, burn in their memory, until they cannot stand but seek your face. AMEN
For more wisdom, read Chapter 25 of Proverbs
