Burning Coals on the Head?

Romans 12:20 says, "BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD."

What in the sam-hill does that text mean?

Remember, we are looking at a passage that advises us to return evil not with evil, but with good. You must take this into consideration when reading this verse because this verse teaches that same principle.

What does your enemy expect you to do? Get even, get revenge. But, this isn't the mindset of a child of God. When someone hurts you you do what they would not expect--you treat them with goodness and love, doing respectable things to them that makes them go, "huh?"

Then when you have done good to their evil, they will feel bad about what they have done to you. Now, this may not happen always. You may never see their shame or hear their heartfelt apology. But, you can be sure that by turning on the love, as opposed to their hate, they will see you for a "good, honest, and sane" person.

Do not let your motivation though, be one of I'll get even with them, I'll do good to them and then I know they will feel shame. No. You do the right thing, which can be the hardest thing. Your Father, who sees in secret, will repay you. Your satisfaction should never come from another person's pain. Remember the context, Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

So get out there beloved and act like Christ to a lost and hostile world. To use an old cliche, "You may be the only Jesus someone ever sees."