Romans 12:20

New International Version (NIV)

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.”

For Meditation

The sound of it hit them like thunderbolt. From the time they set their feet in Egypt to buy food, they were subjected to a series of strange events that confused them. The man in charge of the land had grilled them about their purpose for coming to Egypt and accused them of being spies (Gen. 42:9). He demanded proof of their explanation. They were to leave one of them in prison, return to their country, and come back with their youngest brother they spoke about. Shockingly, they found their monies in their sacks when they got home. When they returned to Egypt with their youngest brother, they were surprised with a feast in the man’s house. On their way back to their country the second time, a search party came after them and brought them back to Egypt when the man’s silver cup was discovered in their youngest brother’s sack. The tension peaked when the man demanded they leave that younger brother behind as his slave; and the pleading and bargaining began. Finally, the man himself couldn’t take it anymore. He sacked everybody from his presence and made himself known to them.

 “I am Joseph!” (Gen. 45:3).

Can you imagine the faces of the brothers at that point?

“Is my father still living?” (3b).

Stunned with disbelief, “The brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence” (3c).

When a person holds revenge back from their offender and treats them with kindness, it has the effect of burning coals on their heads (Rm. 12:20). Throughout their long encounter with the man they didn’t realize was their brother they sold into slavery, Joseph’s brothers burned with anxiety and unease about that very event.

“Surely we are being punished because of our brother … that’s why this distress has come on us,” they said (Gen. 42:21).

On the other side, there was healing and closure of a painful event. Joseph had the opportunity to deal with himself and his hurts during the process of interaction with his brothers. When he finally embraced them, he was healed, and forgiveness had dressed him with the garment of peace from God.

1. Is that not what you need today?
2. Who is it you have to forgive?
3. Can you look in their face and forgive them?
4. Can you leave the rest to the Lord?
5. Is that not what Christ has done for us on Calvary?

I pray for your healing from the hurt, anger, bitterness, and every other condition that has crippled you in bondage.

So: May you find peace in Christ Jesus; and may you be able to tell the one who hurt you, “Come close to me … do not be distressed … I will provide for you” (45:4-12).

Forgiveness heals the heart and liberates us in Christ

Shalom