November 23
Romans 12.17-21
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:
“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.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
People are angry a lot these days. Watch the news. Listen to some politicians. People have things that make them angry, but we may differ on what makes us angry, or which view of it makes us angry. In the Middle East we see that some are angry with Israel, others are angry with Hamas. In politics we may be angry with the majority government, or the coalition at this time, or we may be angry with the opposition. In each scenario we could be angry with both.
The temptation for us all in our anger is to lash out and take it back as anger to the ones we blame. Whether large or small, it just keeps returning with each one having to have the last effort in vengeance.
And even as I read this text again I am reminded that we can easily take it all wrong. We think that we will heap coals on the heads of our enemies and then God will strike them down in the end. Misunderstanding the words of verse 19. Looking for God to repay those who have harmed us. Having the attitude of Jonah who in the end lamented: “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.” (Jonah 4.2)
God calls us to live graciously, offering love and forgiveness. Knowing that as he is slow to anger, abounding in love for our enemies, he also does the same for us. Let’s be grateful for the grace God offers to our neighbours, our enemies, and even to us.
Song – Here I Am To Worship
Prayer
Make us worthy, Lord, to serve our fellow human beings throughout the world who live and die in poverty and hunger. Give them, through our hands, the daily bread they need. And by our understanding love bring peace and joy. Amen.