Doing good for evil, really?

If there was one main theme in my dad’s life, and the thing he pounded into us more than any other, it was, “Do good for evil, do unto others as you would have them do unto you! Remember children, kindness heaps coals of fire on them!” Proverbs 25:21-22 If you see your enemy hungry, go buy him lunch; if he’s thirsty, bring him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness, and God will look after you.

My high school graduation picture had a caption under it in the yearbook that read, “Merry has a heart with room for everybody”. I hadn’t seen it as yet when I walked into my home-room class the morning after it came out, so when my teacher asked, “Is it true?” I answered “What?” Then she showed me. I was blown away and happy that my peers saw me in that light! I am honestly surprised when I find that someone doesn’t like me because I do try to make everyone around me feel good about themselves both physically and spiritually. So, does it work to do good for evil?

The following story from the Bible, found in 2Kings 6:13-23, tells of a King that was at war with Israel and was determined to find and kill the Prophet Elisha, here is what happened! The king said, “Go and find out where he is. I’ll send someone and capture him.” The report came back, “He’s in Dothan.” Then he dispatched horses and chariots, an impressive fighting force. They came by night and surrounded the city. Early in the morning a servant of the Holy Man got up and went out. Surprise! Horses and chariots surrounding the city! The young man exclaimed, “Oh, master! What shall we do?” He said, “Don’t worry about it—there are more on our side than on their side.” Then Elisha prayed, “O God, open his eyes and let him see.” The eyes of the young man were opened and he saw. A wonder! The whole mountainside full of horses and chariots of fire surrounding Elisha! When the Arameans attacked, Elisha prayed to God, “Strike these people blind!” And God struck them blind, just as Elisha said. Then Elisha called out to them, “Not that way! Not this city! Follow me and I’ll lead you to the man you’re looking for.” And he led them into Samaria. As they entered the city, Elisha prayed, “O God, open their eyes so they can see where they are.” God opened their eyes. They looked around—they were trapped in Samaria! When the king of Israel saw them, he said to Elisha, “Father, shall I massacre the lot?” “Not on your life!” said Elisha. “You didn’t lift a hand to capture them, and now you’re going to kill them? No sir, make a feast for them and send them back to their master.” So he prepared a huge feast for them. After they ate and drank their fill he dismissed them. Then they returned home to their master. The raiding bands of Aram didn’t bother Israel anymore.”

By treating these enemies to a feast and sending them on their way home, they prevented a war that would have cost many lives. I can’t promise you that if you feed your enemy they will become your best friend, you probably don’t want that anyway, but it will at least take the sword out of their hand, the one they plan to stab you in the back with!

Proverbs 16:7 “When God approves of your life, even your enemies will end up shaking your hand.”

If every thing you have done hasn’t worked, then start to work on yourself and try to live a life that pleases God, He is the only one that matters after all!