ROMANS 12:17-21
I can remember as a child growing up in Roanoke, Virginia there was a Christian
program that aired on the television on Saturday afternoons that would always make the
suggestion, “Forgive him; it will teach him a lesson.” The suggestion would sound like
a voice from on high, the voice of God. Paul, when instructing the Romans on Christian
behavior and relationships with others, used this similar proverb and said, “If your
enemy is hungry, feed him, if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this,
you will heap burning coals on his head.” (v. 20)
The idea of burning coals seemed painful, but the burning was to bring out the
shame in the enemy for their animosity and the assault they might perpetrate. It is natural
to defend yourself against your enemy. But the Christian response is contrary to
self-defense and retaliation. The response is love. Love put into action will feed and
refresh the hungry or thirsty enemy. Such action causes the light of God’s love to shine
in the midst of the conflict and expose the evil of it all. God’s love offers forgiveness
and mercy, which is so undeserved. What a surprise! This is a mind blowing experience.
The Civil Rights Movement was successful, primarily, because Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr. was committed to nonviolence. It was love in action. Americans viewing the
evening television news witnessed the violence that racism and hatred meted out on
nonviolent peaceful protestors. The shame of it all touched the conscience of the nation
and the walls of segregation began to fall. Such love was also demonstrated two
thousand years ago when Jesus hung on Calvary’s Cross and prayed, “Father, forgive
them, for they know what they do.” Forgiveness is a beautiful lesson to
learn and to practice. When I think of the goodness of Jesus, my mind is blown every
time.
Prayer: God of mind-blowing generosity and grace abundant, may your vision
of peace and love radiate through me so that others’ minds are also blown
with your nonviolent power.
Amen.
The Rev. Dr. Timothy James serves as Associate
General Minister and Administrative Secretary of the National Convocation, Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ).