Show Restraint!
Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who show restraint. In Jesus’ name, amen.
We pick up the saga of King Saul and David.
King Saul had been hunting for and hoping to kill David. David hides in a cave with his men. While searching for David, Saul happened to go into the same cave where David and his men were hiding because 1 Samuel 24:4 (ESV) says, “Saul went in to relieve himself.”
David knew that Saul was God’s anointed King, and even though David had the chance to kill Saul, David instead cut off part of Saul’s robe instead.
As Saul was leaving the area, David revealed he had cut off part of the robe, and he told Saul how he could have killed him.
In 1 Samuel 24:16-22 (ESV) we learn Saul was moved by this incident.
“As soon as David had finished speaking these words to Saul, Saul said, ‘Is this your voice, my son David?’ And Saul lifted up his voice and wept. He said to David, ‘You are more righteous than I, for you have repaid me good, whereas I have repaid you evil. And you have declared this day how you have dealt well with me, in that you did not kill me when the Lord put me into your hands. For if a man finds his enemy, will he let him go away safe? So may the Lord reward you with good for what you have done to me this day. And now, behold, I know that you shall surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand. Swear to me therefore by the Lord that you will not cut off my offspring after me, and that you will not destroy my name out of my father’s house.’ And David swore this to Saul. Then Saul went home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold.”
Would you have been tempted to kill Saul or would you show restraint?
What choice will you make the next time you have a chance to retaliate against someone?
If given the chance, follow David’s example, and opt for a peaceful resolution.
Tell me what you think in the comments below.
