"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies." (Psalm 23:5 NIV)
"You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies." (Message version)
God shows hospitality to us even in the presence of our enemies. Eugene Peterson's Message version says God doesn't just prepare a snack but a "six-course dinner" in front of them.
Sometimes we don't want to have anything to do with our enemies. We want them to stay on one side of the fence, and we'll be in the other. But it seems that God wants to invite our enemies into our presence because that means they can experience His presence. For those who do not like God, this may mean that they see God blessing these folk and realize God is the great Blesser. Sun Tzu is credited with saying, "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer." But Jesus ate and drank with "sinners." He came into their presence in order to draw them to Himself- if they would be drawn. Frankly, it is easier to be in a holy huddle. But your life is lived best when you are spreading the love. This may mean taking the one who said bad things about you out for lunch or sending them a kind note. It may be killing the enemy with kindness.
Proverbs 25:21-22 (quoted by Paul in Romans 12:20) says, "If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals upon his head, and the Lord will reward you." Matthew 5:44 says, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
I have found this to be true. There was an old cartoon about a coyote and a sheepdog- who clearly tried to hurt each other, but when their time clock went off- they clocked out and went back to their respective homes cordially- "good night Al- Good night!" If you are kind to those who are not kind to you, it may not change their mind, but it assuages and softens things.
Prayer: Lord, help me to find ways to be kind to those who are not so kind to me. Soften our relationship with your love and your hospitality.
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