22 Aug: The Better Response
[Saul said], “The Lord had delivered me into thine hand, thou killedst me not.” 1 Samuel 24:18
Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 24:1–4, 14–18
The farmer climbed into his truck and began his usual morning inspection of the crops. When he reached the far edge of the property, he was furious to find that someone had once again used the secluded area to dump their rubbish.
As he loaded the bags of food waste into his truck, he noticed an envelope among them. The offender’s address was printed on the front. Here was an opportunity too good to ignore. That night he drove to the offender’s house and filled his garden with not just the dumped trash but his own!
Revenge is sweet, some say, but is it right? In 1 Samuel 24, David and his men were hiding in a cave while fleeing from King Saul, who wanted to kill David. Saul entered the very same cave to relieve himself, and David’s men immediately saw an opportunity for David to take revenge (verse 3–4).
David could have killed Saul, but he refused. He said, “The Lord forbid that I should do this thing unto my master” (verse 6). David chose not to repay evil with evil, even though Saul had treated him unjustly.
When Saul later learned that David had spared his life, he was astonished. “Thou art more righteous than I,” he said (verses 17–18).
When we or the people we love are treated unfairly, we may be given opportunities to retaliate. We may feel justified in getting even, especially when the offender seems to deserve it. But will we follow the farmer’s example and give in to revenge, or will we follow David’s example and choose what is right?
Revenge may seem satisfying for a moment, but righteousness honours God.
By: Caleb Wright
Go deeper on: The Better Response
Reflect & Pray
When have you most felt like getting even with someone? How can David’s response guide you as you seek justice for yourself and others?
Jesus, lover of our enemies, may I seek justice Your way.