Heaping burning coals on your enemy’s head

“Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. 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.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:17-21, NKJV).

Jesus brings peace to and among the receptive and compliant (John 14:27; 16:33) but the opposite to those who resist his authority and  teaching (Matt. 10:34-36). When we strive to live like Christ, therefore, some folks are provoked to wrath (cf. John 15:18-20). 

In Romans 12:20 Paul is quoting Proverbs 25:21-22. Contextually Paul is discussing how a Christian is to react when wrongfully treated, overcoming evil with good. If heaping coals of fire on someone’s head is a metaphoric description of vengeance or punishment (cf. Psa. 11:6; 140:10), this is to be left to God (Rom. 12:19; cf. 2 Thess. 1:8). 

In the meantime we follow the teachings and example of Jesus in how we treat others and respond to their maltreatment (Matt. 5:43-45; 7:12). In so doing, we not only demonstrate the stark contrast between the ways of the world and the ways of Christ, we can more effectively trigger burning shame and remorse in the conscience of evildoers (cf. Prov. 15:1).

--Kevin L. Moore

 

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