Uploaded November 2020 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

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We are supposed to heap coals of fire on our enemies' heads--what does that mean?

"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." (Romans 12:20)

By the way, this is a quotation from Proverbs 25:21-22.

One idea is that we are supposed to do nice thing for our enemies to shame them.

I think a better interpretation is that heaping coals of fire is a way to help another person. Imagine a poor person carrying coals on their head after gleaning them from a rich person's fire. If I help that person, they can carry more than they could pile up themselves.

The whole context here is one of doing the unexpected. It would be expected for us to retaliate against our enemy, but we are to do what is unexpected and unnatural. We should help them rather than try to avenge ourselves.

When I do this for my enemy, I may no longer have an enemy.

Visit me at benhammond.org for a a written article explaining this passage.

#coalsoffire #heap #Romans12:20 #enemy

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