Coals of Fire by H. A. St. John

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 19, 1874

Coals of Fire.

By H. A. St. John

“Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink, for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.” Rom. 12:20.

The Saviour enjoins that we love our enemies. Occasionally persons query how this can ever be done. Without the love of Christ in the heart it is impossible. But with this, the directions are plain and comparatively easy. The first direction may be complied with by the follower of Christ under all circumstances. It is, to pray for our enemies. They may be so situated that this is all that we can do.

Next we notice the direction of the apostle as above quoted, to heap coals of fire on their heads. The natural and immediate effect of placing a coal of fire on the head, would be to cause the individual to stoop; and to heap them, would certainly bring humiliation. Thus it is with deeds of charity. There is warmth in love. And when an act of pure love is done to an enemy it will burn like a coal of fire upon his head; and often repeated, it will be heaping coals of fire upon their heads.

Sometimes we hear brethren complain that they have not the confidence and love of their brethren. Supposing such ones try the apostle’s direction of heaping coals of fire. I am sure they would find it to have a surprising effect. If for a real or imagined slight we return the same, it would be better represented by chunks of ice than coals of fire.

How rarely do we see evil overcome with good. Reader, how do you stand in this matter? Do you overcome evil with good? Are you scattering coals of fire (deeds of love) all about you? Your opportunities are passing.

H. A. St. John.