“To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” -Romans 12:20–21
Instead of what seems natural to the flesh—to take vengeance on one’s enemies—the believer is called to act contrary. Paul exhorts believers to overcome evil by doing good. How? Feed the hungry enemy and give him something to drink when he thirsts. In other words, by the power of the Spirit of God, we are to love even our enemy as human being by meeting his needs.
The idea of heaping burning coals on his head is likely a metaphor for the grace of shame. Recall what Paul said previously about the work of godly kindness: “Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” -Romans 2:4
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