Mercy Witholds The Sword

Reference: 1 Samuel 24

David's situation was more than a political conflict or personal betrayal. This was deeply relational. He once served Saul faithfully and closely. He still related to Saul as his father. Coversely, Saul treated David like an enemy and was so determined to kill him. It must have been incredibly painful and difficult for David. 

David had the opportunity to end Saul’s pursuit and eliminate the threat he posed, especially since Saul showed no signs of repentance. Humanly speaking, it would be justified for David to strike and protect himself. 

Yet, David’s conscience was bothered as he cut a mere size of Saul's robe. He recognized Saul as the one anointed by the Lord. Out of reverence for God and respect for His divine choice, David restrained himself and refused to take matters into his own hands. 

David's response reveals the heart of God within Him. He held a heart that chose not to repay evil with evil, waited patiently, chose mercy over vengeance, and trusted the justice of heaven rather than forcing justice  on earth. Aptly, God declared him as a man after His own heart.

To be honest, it is really hard to respond like David. Without consideration for God, I would choose to retaliate. I want those who have hurt, to know how it feels like to be hurt. Also, from a self-protection perspective, removing the possibility for further or future hurt makes logical sense. 

It is difficult to do the opposite of what my sinful nature wants, but not impossible. It takes the Spirit to replace the heart of stone with a heart of flesh. It takes yielded ears to hear what Jesus had, and is still praying for those who hurt, and pray likewise. It takes trust in the Father whose heart is to continually protect and not allow His beloved to rot senselessly to the grave.

As I pray likewise for some time, I come to realize God has been doing the very same for me all along. He could haven chosen to repay the evil I have done with evil, and I would very well say this is justified. Instead, He repays my sins with the death of His innocent Son. 

When it gets hard, help me remember to draw upon the grace of what He has done for me, and be likewise.