Anchor Devotional
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Overcoming with Kindness
“‘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.” Romans 12:20
Inside of prison or out, you can unintentionally acquire enemies. People have strong opinions about things. When you cross a line, tempers flare.
While incarcerated, I have been an educational mentor, but others often mistake my offer to help them as an insult. One was a huge guy that easily could have taken me down. He threatened to do so when I said I thought he was smart and could help him earn his G.E.D. He also grew angry when I’d speak about my faith. But I never retaliated. Instead, I would slide bags of coffee under his cell door when his supply ran low.
Eventually, we wound up in a self-help weekend workshop together. After the meetings, he came to me with tears in his eyes and apologized. He claimed I was the best friend he had in prison. Six months later he was released, and I have prayed for him faithfully ever since.
The Bible tells us to show brotherly love to each other and to outdo one another in honoring each other (v. 10). I overwhelmed an enemy with kindness and gained a friend. Isn’t that exactly what Jesus has done for us?
Written by Daniel K., Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison, Corcoran, CA. Please pray for humility and wisdom as Daniel helps fellow inmates.
SCRIPTURE FOCUS
Exodus 19-20
INSIGHT
Psalm 35
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Mark 15
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