What are “coals of fire?” Rom. 12:20
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him…for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head… overcome evil with good.”
The coals of fire are not a symbol of punishment but of burning shame, says William Barclay. “To treat our enemy with kindness rather than vengeance is to move him. Vengeance may break his spirit, but kindness will break his heart.” (15) This depicts the attitude of our heavenly Father. (Ps. 66:3-4, 10-12).
Jesus commands us to love our enemies that we may be perfect, just as our Father is perfect (Mt. 5:48). He could not command us in this way–to love our enemies–if God did not love His. Neither could Paul command us to overcome evil with good, if God overcomes it with evil. Take a moment to let these truths settle into your heart. For more on fire, see question#1.
15 Barclay, William. “The Letter to the Romans.” Daily Study Bible Series. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1975. 170.
From Hope Beyond Hell Revised 2010 pages 223-224
