In an act of anger and revenge for a wrong committed against him, Samson responds by destroying the Philistine’s wheat crop, vineyards and olive groves. Samson believed that this act of eco-terrorism would “really harm them.” Conflict and hunger go hand in hand as food sources often are either destroyed or confiscated. Where have you seen examples of this today? Is there anything Christians can do? If so, what?
Proverbs 25:21 says, “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat.” The apostle Paul quotes this verse after specifically saying, “Do not take revenge.” (Romans 12:19-21) Which tactic are you more likely to take with an enemy–giving food or taking it away? Why? Which tactic is more likely to be part of our nation’s foreign policy?
Since 1962, the US has maintained a near total embargo against Cuba in an attempt to destabilize Fidel Castro’s communist government–including a ban on the sale of food. Food embargoes were employed by Allied Powers in World War I against Germany. What do you think of government policy that withholds food as a means to exert pressure on or manipulate others’ behavior?
Tongue on Fire 