February 21st - Reflection

Proverbs 25:11-22 (NRSV)
Caring for the enemy
A word fitly spoken
is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold
is a wise rebuke to a listening ear.
Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest
are faithful messengers to those who send them;
they refresh the spirit of their masters.
Like clouds and wind without rain
is one who boasts of a gift never given.
With patience a ruler may be persuaded,
and a soft tongue can break bones.
If you have found honey, eat only enough for you,
or else, having too much, you will vomit it.
Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor's house,
otherwise the neighbor will become weary of you and hate you.
Like a war club, a sword, or a sharp arrow
is one who bears false witness against a neighbor.
Like a bad tooth or a lame foot
is trust in a faithless person in time of trouble.
Like vinegar on a wound
is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
Like a moth in clothing or a worm in wood,
sorrow gnaws at the human heart.
If your enemies are hungry, give them bread to eat;
and if they are thirsty, give them water to drink;
for you will heap coals of fire on their heads,
and the Lord will reward you.
Reflection
A tall task was given in the gospel lesson yesterday to love our enemies, however this passage provides a listing of ideas on how to change your thinking into doing.
Give your enemy something to eat and drink.
Don't strike back with evil words.
Speak kind of your neighbor and explain their actions in the kindest way.
Be soft spoken with your enemy.

So here we have a beginning list of ways to treat your enemy. God sees a person to be accepted and loved in your enemy. Who knows, maybe he will change his mind and turn from sin and see God. And if not, God will worry about the punishment. You and I have enough troubles of our own to solve.

Prayer
As you teach me how to love my enemies, may I go out and do just that. It's time to put it into action. Walk with me and guide me as I go. --- Amen