Transformative Relationships
If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. By doing this, you will pile burning coals of fire upon his head. (Romans 12:20)
Several years ago, I heard the illustration of the significance of individual impact using the example of a child walking along the seashore tossing starfish back into the water in an attempt to save them from the harmful heat of the sun. An adult observing the child offered critical and discouraging words by noting the impossibility of tossing all of the many, many starfish along the shoreline. The child replied by indicating that although they might not be able to rescue all the starfish their efforts would be appreciated by each one that was tossed back into the sea. In other words, while the child might not be able to save all the starfish, they could try to save as many as possible. Another way of expressing determination when the odds seem completely overwhelming is to choose doing something over doing nothing.
Bishop Reuben Job renewed the examination of John Wesley’s ideals in his book “Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living.” Wesley’s General Rules were:
Do No Harm,
Do Good, and
Stay in Love with God.
The simplicity of these rules significantly understate the counter-cultural nature of the suggestions. Hardly anyone would be criticized if they responded to aggressive or offensive behavior with more aggressive and even more offensive behavior. However, Paul’s instructions in the book of Romans proffers an interesting combination of behaviors, motivations and results.
Firstly, in response to the hunger of an enemy, the reader is instructed to offer food. However, and secondly, the kind gesture exhibited toward the enemy isn’t intended to relieve their hunger. Rather (thirdly), it is intended to offer punishment (i.e., burning coals) under the guise of benevolence.
Paul explains that vengeance belongs to God. As disciples, our role is to demonstrate compassion and to pursue peace. Repaying evil with evil only multiplies evil. Evil is not overcome with evil. Instead, evil is overcome by good (Romans 12:21).
The phrase “pay it forward” usually refers to an act of kindness performed in hopes that the kindness will be returned. An act of generosity, caring, kindness, mercy and/or even courage can potentially initiate a rising tide of positivity. One of the members of a church gave small sums of money to some of the youth and asked them to share how they had used their gifts to encourage or comfort others. One youth shared how the money was given to a classmate who was unable to cover the entire cost of an upcoming activity at school.
Who knows how that act of compassion may inspire “ripples of compassion” throughout a network of friends, a school or a community. Our membership vows remind us of our witness. May our witness transform our lives and the lives of those around us.
We’ll see you in worship, in class and on the mission field.
In Christ,
Jon McCoy
