praying effectively: Be Kind to Enemies (Pv.25:21-28)

(Proverbs 25:21-28)

21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;
22 For you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.
23 The north wind brings forth rain, and a backbiting tongue, an angry countenance.
24 It is better to live in a corner of the roof than in a house shared with a contentious woman.
25 Like cold water to a weary soul, so is good news from a distant land.
26 Like a trampled spring and a polluted well is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.
27 It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it glory to search out one’s own glory.
28 Like a city that is broken into and without walls is a man who has no control over his spirit.

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:
- that we are kind to our enemies, giving graciously to them in their time of need (25:21-22)
- that we remain faithful in seeking justice, especially when people are depending on you (25:26)
- that we are not argumentative (25:23-24)
- that we have self-control (25:28)
- that we do not eat too much, even when it is a good thing (25:27)
- that we do not search for our own glory (25:27)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, help us to love others with Your love... even our enemies.  When seeking justice, keep us stay calm, wise and understanding.  Guide us with Your wisdom to know what to say and do in every circumstance.  And as we see favorable results, may we give You all the credit and the glory.  Amen.