THOU SHALT HEAP COALS OF FIRE ON HIS HEAD

Romans chapter 12 starts the third section of this epistle and, together with the chapters that follow, is intensely practical. It deals with issues of the believer’s responsibility both towards the church and the state. These verses for today’s reading con­tain advice regarding our attitude to mankind generally and especially to those who treat us, as individuals, with hostility and have made themselves, by determined choice, our enemies. It would be nice to have no enemies, and the saint should not make enemies by his behaviour, but inevitably sinners will often wage war against the people of God. Because they hate Him, they will hate us. How should we respond?

Certainly, we must appreciate these circumstances are not unusual; we are not alone in suffering. Further, we need to avoid, as the verses suggest, recompensing evil for evil; and ven­geance should not be on our agenda. Indeed, instead of cursing, we should bless and, instead of actively pursuing revenge or a ‘tit for tat’ policy, we should endeavour to live peaceably with all men, insofar as that is possible. These are high standards to consider and fulfil. Nonetheless, we are required to do so, not grudgingly, but out of hearts motivated by love. Should we find an enemy hungry or thirsty we should see this as an opportunity for mercy and provide him with food and water.

Verse 20 tells us that when we do this we ‘heap coals of fire on his head’. In accepting the kindness shown to him, and he will because he is at the end of his tether, the enemy may be so over­come by our love that his hard heart will melt and we will have struck a serious blow for the Lord. It is said there was an old Egyptian custom that penitents had to parade round the streets carrying on their heads a pan full of burning coals. These coals were viewed as fires of remorse, soul-burning shame and the melting of one’s spirit in repentance. So, kindness in response to wickedness might well have this effect. If it does not then another thought is that the persecutor, in rejecting this love, will be building up for himself increased suffering when God takes vengeance on behalf of the victim. Ultimately, this is His work. If we take it on ourselves we obstruct divine retribution.