Heaping Burning Coal
by Laurie Westrich
“In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.”
– Proverbs 25:22
Like most of us, I’ve had people in my life who have wronged me. My first thought was how I could get even. However, an older gentleman I worked with at the time gave me some very good advice. He told me to be kind instead of lashing out, and by doing so, I would be heaping burning coal on this person's head because it was not what they would be expecting. He said this saying was in the Bible and for me to look it up. I did.
When we encounter someone who has hurt us, it is our natural reaction to retaliate. In reading Proverbs 25:22, it changes that impulse and asks us to “retaliate” in kindness. Such kindness is not weakness, but it is strength. When I showed that kindness to the person whom I felt did not deserve it, I was reflecting God’s grace and mercy.
It is always our hope that the person will reconsider their actions and repent. At the time, this person who had wronged me didn’t do that. However, I have to remember that all I was asked to do was to return the wrong with kindness, grace, and mercy. It was hard, but I left it up to God after that. Even if our enemy never changes, our obedience and loving response bring God’s blessing. God honors those who choose to walk the higher road of forgiveness and generosity.
Journaling:
Is there someone in your life who has wronged you?
How might you show them kindness and forgiveness?