BURNING COALS

The phrase 'burning coals' is mentioned several times in Scripture, usually referring to the literal red-hot coals of a fire. For instance ... When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. (John 21:9) 

However, there is one passage where it is used metaphorically ... If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you. (Proverbs 25:21-22)

Paul quoted Solomon's admonition again in the New Testament ... Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay', says the Lord. On the contrary: 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. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:19-21)

The apostle is addressing how a believer is to respond when treated wrongly. If he returns 'evil for evil', the lost world sees nothing different about his life. Even though retaliation seems justified, striking back causes us to miss an opportunity to demonstrate the mercy and grace found in the Gospel message.  

Jesus instructed us to follow His example ... You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy'. But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:43-45) 

'Returning good for evil' ... the stark contrast will not go unnoticed. A kind and gentle reaction sheds light on the depravity of the one who treats you poorly. The attacker is left alone in his hate-filled state if you don't join him on his battlefield. 

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)

Nothing pricks the conscience of an enemy like a soft, forgiving spirit in the person he seeks to injure. It results in those 'burning coals' heaped upon his head, a profound sense of shame when evil is exposed ... The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:5) 

When you relinquish your right to take revenge, you show faith in God's justice. It is His Spirit alone that brings conviction to the heart of a sinner. Responding to an enemy rightly allows the Lord to operate on his soul and bring him to repentance.