How Should We Act Toward Others?
Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who are in a position to do harm, yet do not. In Jesus’ name, amen.
In 1 Samuel 26 we learn that David is once again pursued by King Saul and three thousand of his chosen men.
David goes on a mission to infiltrate Saul’s camp at night. Everyone in Saul’s camp was asleep, and the Lord had made sure they would not wake up.
David got close enough to kill the King, but David would not kill God’s anointed.
Instead, he takes the king’s spear and a jar of water that had been near Saul’s head.
Once safe on the side of his own camp, David calls out and had a conversation with Abner, the head of Saul’s army, and King Saul.
In 1 Samuel 26:22-25 we join in toward the end of the conversation with King Saul.
“And David answered and said, ‘Here is the spear, O king! Let one of the young men come over and take it. The Lord rewards every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness, for the Lord gave you into my hand today, and I would not put out my hand against the Lord’s anointed. Behold, as your life was precious this day in my sight, so may my life be precious in the sight of the Lord, and may he deliver me out of all tribulation.’ Then Saul said to David, Blessed be you, my son David! You will do many things and will succeed in them.’ So David went his way, and Saul returned to his place.”
King Saul and David appear to reconcile, at least for now.
David had the opportunity to kill Saul this second time, yet he refrained.
If given an opportunity to retaliate against an opponent, would you be willing to forgo returning evil for evil?
Take time to reflect on how David’s actions offer a model for how we can act toward others.
Tell me what you think in the comments below.
