“But, ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. For in so doing you will be heaping fiery coals on his head.’ Do not be conquered by evil, but overcome evil with good.” vs20-21

Do you want to overcome your enemy? Then help him. Will you gain victory over those who mistreat you? Do them good. This is the way God has established, and it works. We live for an entirely new kingdom with new rules.

Someone asked me yesterday about the African practice of “praying” fire down upon enemies. “We pray for them to die and suffer not a witch to live.” God, however, has another way! It is not mangling the old covenant but living entirely in the new.

First, this is contrary to the flesh, when we lived to serve ourselves [vs10-12]. “Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.” Formerly, we lived by our might, and vengeance soothed us. We thought that we must care for ourselves in this dog eat dog world, and we didn’t regard others, because we didn’t lean on God. Now, however, we are saved by Him who rules the heavens, and we’re to be without fear - as if doing good will harm us! 1 Peter 3:13, “And who will harm you if you are deeply committed to what is good?” We have a Judge that’s higher than man, and He sees everything.

We CANNOT obey and fail, so let us walk wisely - loving, giving, and sharing. Let us do good and prosper. Let us trust God by living godly.

Secondly, do not curse [vs13-14]! “Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” We are not to wish ill on others but desire their repentance. It is enough that God will punish; it is enough that they don’t have Christ right now.

We’d be in their shoes, and they’d be in ours, if not for sovereign mercy. We are not better, but we’ve been saved by grace and brought into submission. We’d be outside of the kingdom, and THEY’D be serving Christ, if God had willed it, so let us humble ourselves and not be proud.

Yes, they are wrong, but God is pleased that we love them, even if it involves sharp rebukes! Let it be done in love not vindictiveness; let us be ready to forgive.

Thirdly, do not be wise in your own eyes [vs16]! “Be in agreement with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation.” Here is the problem: People obtain mercy and become proud! This is foreign to the gospel: It is bad fruit; it is fleshly wisdom and devilishness; it is carnal thinking! James 3:15-16, “Such wisdom does not come from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where envy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every kind of evil.” The devils know Calvinism, but they’ve never experienced mercy, so they’re devils still.

I heard the story of a man in prison. He received solid gospel materials from a preacher that I know. He was released, impregnated a woman, and committed more crimes. Imprisoned again, he wrote to the preacher, “Send me some good materials. I’m tired of all these Arminians in here.” The preacher responded sharply and wisely, “Do me a favor. Don’t ever mention my name to anyone, lest they think I’ve encouraged you to be what you are. Do not write me again, until you’ve experienced God’s grace.”

This may seem harsh, but it is how it must be. We must live the gospel, rather than know it only in our head. Mercy must transform us, and this is the test: Can we live by the truth in love?

Finally, live at peace [vs17-18]. “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Try to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes. If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone.” Be peaceable, gentle, and kind. Love poor sinners and help the saints. Be a person who always wants to work it out, wherever possible.

Do not be angry, aggressive, and fault-finding. Do not let it be said that THEY wanted peace, and you chose war. Our Lord says, “I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war [Ps 120:7].” We cannot compromise and must not, but we must be willing to get along with people whenever possible. An angry fault-finding spirit shows proud head knowledge and not the tender mercies of God.