It is easier to offer kindness to someone who has been kind to us. When someone has hurt us, even a small gesture of care can feel like a big step. Our Father understands that struggle. We can bring Him our hurt and ask Him to help us choose what comes next.
Paul invites us to leave vengeance with God and respond to an enemy’s need with kindness. He writes in Romans 12: 19- 21, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (NIV)
An unexpected act of goodness may help someone recognize the hurt they have caused.
It may open a door that another argument would have kept closed.
Or the impact on their lives will only be seen from Heaven’s perspective.
You may never know.
We cannot make someone change or guarantee that an enemy will become a friend.
But we can ask God to keep our hearts open to doing good, with wisdom and appropriate boundaries.
Is there a small act of kindness God is inviting you to offer today?
Your kindness may open a door.
You can trust God with what happens next.
Father, You know where I have been hurt and how hard kindness can feel. Help me entrust justice to You. Give me wisdom to recognize when and how to offer practical care, and a sincere heart as I do. May Your goodness work in both of us. In the Powerful Name of Jesus, Amen.