| Romans 12:17-21 – “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” |
One of the more difficult things to do is to “love your enemies.”
Jesus’ instruction are counter to all that is in us.
Why should I care what happens to someone who wants the worst for me?
But that’s why it is important to see it in action..
Peter Miller was a Pennsylvania preacher during the American Revolution. He was also a close friend of George Washington.
In the town where he preached was a troublemaker named MichaellWhitman.
Whitman was one of those kinds of people that was easy to dislike and difficult to love.
He would oppose and humiliate Miller on whatever occasion that suited him.
One day Whitman was arrested for treason and sentenced to death. The news arrived in Pennsylvania and Miller heard about it. So he did something about it. He went to his friend George Washington and asked him to spare Whitman’s life.
Washington was not in a conciliatory mood.
“No, Peter, I cannot grant you the life of your friend.”
Peter stopped him. “My friend? He’s not my friend. In fact, he is the bitterest enemy I have.”
Washington was dumbfounded. “You mean you have walked 70 miles to save the life of an enemy? That puts the matter in a different light. I will grant your pardon.” With that, Washington spared Whitman from the firing squad.
Peter Miller went to the stockade where he waited for Whitman to be released. Together they walked back home. By the time they arrived, they were no longer enemies but were friends.
For Paul, this astounding trait was to be characteristic of the life of all Christians. He told the Romans.
“Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:17–21, ESV)
Instead of hate and enmity, bring good to those who you despise. You might be surprised at how better your soul feels and how much good it will do the other person as well.
–Robert G. Taylor
robertgtaylor.com
