Daily Devotion to Proverbs: Day 25

Daily Nugget:
Man’s and God’s ways of dealing with those who dislike or turn against a person are entirely different. When dealing with an enemy, man’s natural reaction is to get even or harm the person.

God’s way is entirely foreign to how man would handle a situation. His way is not to get even or to harm the adversary. His approach is to be kind to the person, even though an enemy’s behavior does not warrant kindness. If one’s enemy is hungry, give him food. If he is thirsty, quench that thirst. That is God’s way.
“If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:” Proverbs 25:21

The first thing one’s pride would shout is, “That is showing weakness. Their treatment of me will only get worse.”

It certainly is not weak to fight one’s natural inclinations. Treating the opposition kindly and overcoming what the flesh wants to do to the adversary takes great character, control, and strength.

Deep down inside, one attacking, accusing, or making life miserable for another knows what he is doing. He knows no kindness is deserved. However, when he receives it, it often summons guilt that they wronged another who did not deserve poor treatment.

One does not know what kindness can do in another’s life. In many cases, undeserved kindness can stir the wrongdoer’s conscience, and regrets will be experienced. A bad situation is often changed because of one’s undeserved mercy to another.
“For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.” Proverbs 25:22
“Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.” Romans 12:20

Loving our enemies and praying for them is God’s way. It is how He treats us. When one deals with opposition the way God commands, hostilities may be reduced, and the peacemaker may be rewarded (Proverbs 25:22).

None of us deserves any kindness from a God we sin against too often, yet remember the bountiful mercy He poured out on us. All were once enemies of God, but He forgave those who sought forgiveness and was kind to them. Be kind to all as your Father has done to you.
“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matthew 5:44-45

Today’s Thought: 
Little deeds of kindness,
Little words of love,
Help to make Earth happy,
Like the Heaven above. — Carney