They Clothed All That Were Naked,
The sermon encourages believers to show kindness to their enemies as a reflection of Christ's love and to transform hostility into friendship through acts of generosity.
F.B. Meyer emphasizes the transformative power of generosity and love, urging believers to respond to those who have wronged them with kindness rather than resentment. He highlights the biblical principle of feeding and caring for one's enemies, encouraging individuals to actively seek reconciliation and friendship instead of harboring bitterness. Meyer challenges listeners to perform acts of kindness towards those who have harmed them, suggesting that such actions can lead to personal transformation and divine assistance. By embodying Christ's love, believers can turn hostility into friendship and experience the beauty of salvation and a gentle spirit.
Text
They clothed all that were naked,
and gave them to eat and drink. 2 Chron. xxviii. 15.
A GREAT burst of generosity was here, for Israel had every reason to be incensed against Judah for the raid made on their territory. But, instead of pushing their advantage to the uttermost, they returned good for evil, and anticipated the words of the apostle, "If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head."
Have you in your life people who have done you injury, and against whom you entertain hard thoughts? You do not injure them in return, but you cannot pray for them. So far as you can, you avoid them; you make no attempt to overcome the evil that is in them. But to act thus is to come short of Christ's standard. It is your duty, not merely to keep at a distance and give a wide berth, but by love to destroy the evil, to transform the enemy into a friend, and to create love and friendship where hostility and alienation had reigned. It is God's way, and in this we are bidden to be perfect, as our Heavenly Father is perfect.
Will you try it? Will you begin by doing kind acts to those who have harmed you? Not because as yet you feel as you would, but because it is right. Then as you dig the trench in right doing, look up to God, and He will pour into your heart the warm gush of affection. If you sincerely will his will in this matter, and act as the Good Samaritan did to the Jew, and exercise faith, God will came to your aid whilst you clothe others and minister to them, you will find their hard heart melted, and yourselves clothed with the beautiful garments of salvation, and of a meek and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is of great price.
Sermon Outline
-
I
- Introduction to the theme of generosity
- Context of Israel's actions towards Judah
-
II
- The biblical principle of returning good for evil
- Reference to Romans 12:20
-
III
- The challenge of loving one's enemies
- The importance of overcoming evil with good
-
IV
- Practical steps to show kindness to those who harm us
- The role of God's assistance in our efforts
-
V
- Transformation of relationships through love
- The ultimate goal of creating friendship from hostility
Key Quotes
“If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.” — F.B. Meyer
“It is your duty, not merely to keep at a distance and give a wide berth, but by love to destroy the evil.” — F.B. Meyer
“As you dig the trench in right doing, look up to God, and He will pour into your heart the warm gush of affection.” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- Identify someone in your life who has wronged you and commit to doing a kind act for them.
- Pray for the strength to overcome negative feelings and to genuinely care for those who have hurt you.
- Reflect on how showing love can transform your relationships and your own heart.