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Posted by Found in Him (Member # 7596) on :

God's Rain
by Rod Smith

God sends rain on the just and the unjust. I have often heard this verse quoted. It is almost always quoted out of context and completely misinterpreted. Rain is interpreted as troubles and trials. This verse is often used to explain why good people have to face trials.

Maybe people think of rain as bad because it interferes with our camping and picnics. But these words were spoken to mostly farmers living in a land with low rainfall. They depended on rain for their survival. To them, rain was a picture of God's blessing. Reading the phrase in context makes it clear that Jesus is talking about God's blessings.

"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." (Matthew 5:43-45 NIV)

Posted by Found in Him (Member # 7596) on :

This kind of gives clearer meaning to "heaping coals on ones head" doesn't it?

Romans 12
14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. 16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. 17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore 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. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.