David’s Example, Part 3 – No Retaliation
Tuesday, November 7, 2023Key Verse
“Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eve spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the LORD’S anointed.” 1 Samuel 24:10
Text — 1 Samuel 24:1-10
Message
A common saying among children goes thus “He did it to me first, I also did the same to him”. This is what is called retaliation or in children language “doing your own back” Retaliation is revenge; it is paying back evil for evil. King Saul hated David, the shepherd boy that killed Goliath. He came into the wilderness to seek and kill David. Unfortunately for king Saul, he fell into David’s hand. However, David refused to listen to the people that asked him to kill king Saul. David had so much regard and respect for God Who anointed Saul as king. He refused to retaliate.
Forgiveness or the attitude of not paying back evil for evil is a major part of Christian character. As we live with people, play together, attend school or church together, we shall surely offend one another. When or if such offences come, which many times are not deliberate, the Lord expects us to forgive one another. The action of David is a worthy example to follow. Make up your mind from today that you will never throwback stones thrown at you, never push back and never repay evil for evil.
Further Reading
Romans 12:17-21
Prayer for today
Oh Lord Jesus, take away the spirit ofretaliation from me and give me grace to always forgive those who offend me.
About Author - Pastor W.F. Kumuyi
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
