I woke up this morning and it was chilly! Not cold, like it was in Montana or Idaho but chilly. We had gone to bed last night and had neglected to turn on the heat.
I found myself, in my sleep, tugging on the blanket and bedspread. I needed it tucked under my chin to keep me warm. I looked at the clock and it read 3:30. Ok, time to get up. When I came out to the living room, I realized why there was a chill in the air. The electric fireplace wasn’t on.
I turned the fireplace on; went straight to the coffee pot and got that started, picked up a lap robe and waited for the room to warm and the coffee to brew. Aww, comfort. I am so thankful for warmth of home.
As I sat here enjoying the increase in temperature a Scripture came to mind. You knew I was going to say that, right? Well, it did.
“If your enemies are hungry, give them something to eat. And if they are thirsty, give them something to drink. 22 This will be the same as piling burning coals on their heads. And the Lord will reward you.” Proverbs 25:21-22 CEV
And then these verses came to mind almost immediately after that.
“Love your enemies, and be good to everyone who hates you. 28 Ask God to bless anyone who curses you, and pray for everyone who is cruel to you… 31 Treat others just as you want to be treated.32 If you love only someone who loves you, will God praise you for that? Even sinners love people who love them…35 But love your enemies and be good to them. Lend without expecting to be paid back. Then you will get a great reward, and you will be the true children of God in heaven. He is good even to people who are unthankful and cruel. 36 Have pity on others, just as your Father has pity on you.” Luke 6:27-36 CEV
What a lesson God is wanting us to learn! Be kind to our enemies, do good to those who hate us – feed them, clothe them, provide them with warmth. Really Lord?
He wants us to follow His example. This is exactly what He has done for each of us.
“But God was merciful! We were dead because of our sins, but God loved us so much that he made us alive with Christ, and God’s wonderful kindness is what saves you. 6 God raised us from death to life with Christ Jesus, and he has given us a place beside Christ in heaven.” Ephesians 2:5-6 CEV
He showered us with forgiveness; He covered us with His unconditional love! The Father is asking us to share what we have received.
“Peter came up to the Lord and asked, “How many times should I forgive someone who does something wrong to me? Is seven times enough?” 22 Jesus answered: Not just seven times, but seventy-seven times!” Matthew 18:21-22 CEV
These verses give us amazing insight into the Father’s love and forgiveness for us.
I’m glad the house was chilly. The Lord took the time to remind me of how He wants me to treat others; I’m to fill their lives with the warmth of His love.