Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another. — Romans 12:10 KJV
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. — Romans 12:10 NIV
Reflection on Verse for Today
Repaying evil with good isn’t always easy, but God’s mercy is sufficient to allow us to love our adversaries and to do good to those who spitefully use us, such as by providing food and water to an adversary who is in need. There is joy in heaven when we do what He says, especially when we bring a sinner to repentance. But there will be a day when God takes vengeance on those who have wronged His people, and every unrepentant evildoer will be showered with flaming coal and the fiery wrath of the Lord.
As God’s children, we have an obligation to show compassion and forgiveness to those who are lost, even if they are our enemies. You and I have access to God’s goodness and grace, His kindness, His forgiveness, and His long-suffering mercy while we were sinners, and we should treat others with the same godly grace, mercy, and forgiveness that we have received.
Our enemies must repent, but we must heed God’s Word “Feed your enemy if he is hungry. Give him a drink if he seems parched ” and to do it with affection.
My Prayer
Heavenly Father, sometimes my enemies have been cruel and abusive to me and others I care about. Lord, I’ll be honest: there are times when I wish I could exact some sort of vengeance on them. But Lord, I know I have the responsibility to bless those who curse me, to pray for those who persecute me, and to share my food with those who go hungry, all for the sake of Your greater glory. I’m grateful that there will be a day when You fulfill Your promise to punish those who have wronged me.
Please keep me from seeking revenge, for Your Word says, “Vengeance is Mine, declares the Lord; I will recompense.” Help me to draw me nearer to You, and to use my words and deeds to bring praise to Your holy name and favor to everyone with whom I come into touch. In Jesus might name I pray. Amen.