Great minds think alike … or so they say! Tina and I have begun this week’s messages to you using the same scripture. May God bless each of our messages this week!
The peace agreement between Israel and Hamas announced on October 9 included the following scripture.
Matthew 5:9 – Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
My message today will follow up on this scripture. Also, today’s message will include more scripture than usual, because God’s Word is our Ultimate Truth.
Leviticus 19:18 – You shall not take vengeance, nor hold any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the Lord.
Leviticus, the third book of the Bible, and written by Moses, includes early instruction for His newly redeemed people, teaching them how to worship and obey Him. This particular verse of scripture, called “the second great commandment”, is the most often quoted Old Testament text in the New Testament. It repeats and is consistent with God’s messages to His followers throughout the Bible.
Proverbs 25:21-22 – If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; 22 For you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.
All metals are melted by placing fiery coals on them, so is the heart of an enemy softened by such kindness. Paul references this scripture in Romans 12:20, expanded below to describe the desired behavior of a Christian.
Romans 12:14-21 – Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. 17 Never repay evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all people. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people. 19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written: “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
In this chapter 12, and in later chapters of the book of Romans, Paul describes in great detail how believers are to live out the rich theological truths given in the first 11 chapters of Romans. God has graciously given believers so much, that Paul exhorts them to respond in grateful obedience.
Next week’s message will be a follow-up to today’s message, so consider these messages a two-part series. I advise keeping this week’s message so you can see its relationship to next week’s message.
May we as Christians continue to mature in God’s grace throughout our entire lives, and especially in these difficult times we all face in today’s more complex and hate-filled world.