Guided 365 Day Reflection Journal

Scripture For Grief, Recovery, & Joy for March 17

Today’s Scripture

If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.

Proverbs 25:21-22 NIV

Today's Guide

When preparing for today, think about the following: What Love Requires.

Food For Thought

In today’s scripture, we are told to be generous to our enemies and treat them with kindness, even if they have wronged us. This teaching can seem difficult to carry out when we have been deeply hurt by another person, but it is exactly what God instructs us to do. By showing love and kindness to our enemies, we are heaping burning coals on their heads - not as a punishment, but to bring about reconciliation and to turn their hearts back towards God. We can take comfort in the knowledge that if we do what God asks of us, He will reward us for our faithfulness.

Today, how can you show love and kindness to your enemies, trusting that God will take care of the rest?

Gratitude

Gratitude is an essential part of following God's teaching to love our enemies and treat them with kindness. When we are able to extend gratitude towards those who have wronged us and find gratitude even in difficult situations, it shows faithfulness to God's word. In those moments, we can find healing.

Who are you grateful for today that has wronged you or is an enemy? Even if you aren’t ready to be really grateful for them, is there something small in them you can find gratitude for?

Today's Prayer

Lord, in true forgiveness, I am free to show Your love and kindness to my enemy. In You, I ask that You would bless those who wish me harm. Help me to be a reflection of You to those I meet. Amen