12:20 What does "for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head", mean?
12:20 What does "for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head", mean?
Christians must never exact vengeance upon anyone who has wronged them. Instead they must give it over to God who will avenge them in due course (CP V17-19).
Christians are to treat those who wrong them with loving kindness, which equates to Paul's injunction to give them food and drink if they are hungry (CP V20-21).
Repaying injury with kindness will bring a burning sense of shame and guilt upon them. This is what Paul means when he said "for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head" (CP V14 with Ex 23:4-5; Pr 24:17-18; 25:21-22: Mt 5:44; Lu 6:27-30).