BURNING COALS

According to Scripture, the way we're to deal with an enemy is to do him good. This obviously runs contrary to human nature, but Christians are called to replace what seems to be 'justifiable retribution' with 'selfless acts of kindness'.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said ... 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. (Matthew 5:44)

This unexpected benevolence and generosity can have a disarming and discomforting effect on your adversary ... Therefore, if your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:20-21)

Doing this reveals the heart of our Lord toward lost mankind ... This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:3-4)

The Bible says it is the 'goodness of God that leads to repentance'. (Romans 2:4) Therefore, it stands to reason that your kindness to an enemy might also bring him to repentance. 

Believers need to remember that their own wayward thoughts, words, and deeds are far more detrimental than the evil done to us by others. We must choose to surrender our 'rights' and yield fully to the Holy Spirit's redemptive work.