Rom 12:20 | MHM | STEP | v. 20 : (2.) In deed: If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink . Do not insult over his needs or see them as God’s vengeance, but be ready to show kindness, even more so because he has been your enemy, to prove the sincerity of your forgiveness. The command is from Prov 25:21–22, showing that even the Old Testament taught such love. The word for feed him (psomize auton) means to feed carefully and tenderly, as one would a child or a sick person. Give him drink (potize auton) means to offer refreshment as a sign of reconciliation and friendship. The reason: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head . This has two possible meanings, both valid: (1) You may melt him into repentance and friendship, as Saul was melted by David’s kindness (1 Sam 24:16; 26:21)—thus you win a friend. (2) If not, your kindness will aggravate his condemnation, making his malice more inexcusable and hastening God’s judgment. This second effect is not our intention, but it is an encouragement that good will not go unrewarded.

‏ Romans 12:20

v. 20: (2.) In deed: If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink. Do not insult over his needs or see them as God’s vengeance, but be ready to show kindness, even more so because he has been your enemy, to prove the sincerity of your forgiveness. The command is from Prov 25:21–22, showing that even the Old Testament taught such love. The word for feed him (psomize auton) means to feed carefully and tenderly, as one would a child or a sick person. Give him drink (potize auton) means to offer refreshment as a sign of reconciliation and friendship.

The reason: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. This has two possible meanings, both valid: (1) You may melt him into repentance and friendship, as Saul was melted by David’s kindness (1 Sam 24:16; 26:21)—thus you win a friend. (2) If not, your kindness will aggravate his condemnation, making his malice more inexcusable and hastening God’s judgment. This second effect is not our intention, but it is an encouragement that good will not go unrewarded.