April 29
Scripture: Prov 25:21
Source author: Verda J. Glick
April 29
Me? Feed My Enemy? If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them water to drink. —Proverbs 25:21
One night when I stepped outside our home in El Salvador, running footsteps approached behind me. A hand seized my wrist. I stopped struggling when I saw the pistol aimed at me. “Give me money. Quick!” I surrendered our money box. As the robber fled, he fired two shots back toward me. After that, any noise made me jump. Whenever I’d hear footsteps behind me, I’d freeze. At night I lay awake. When I heard of the robber’s arrest, I remembered the words in the Bible about loving our enemies, and if our enemies hunger, feeding them. “Me? I’m too scared,” I argued. I tried to dismiss the idea but couldn’t. Finally I prayed, “Okay, Lord. I’ll do it.” I started making donuts, and immediately my fears lessened. At the police station, I asked to see the man in custody. When I gave him the donuts, I felt more pity than fear. That night I slept. I still startle easily, but I’m at peace. My healing began the
day I fed the man who robbed me.
God’s love enables us to serve those who mistreat us. — Verda J. Glick —