Duh!

So...I have been a Christian for 30ish years {which is pretty impressive as I am still 29 ;-)} and I am awed by how much there is still to know about God and His Word. This Sunday's sermon was about "How David Dealt with Revenge." Not having any immediate vendettas to settle I was struck by how a familiar story could bring to light new thoughts about everyday conflicts and hurts...
In 1 Samuel 24 David is in a cave hiding from Saul, Saul steps into the very cave, vulnerable to attack from David. David does not take the opportunity to slay Saul who, in what appears to be a serious case of jealousy, is stalking David. Instead David appears to be merciful and just cuts the corner of Saul's cloak. But then in v. 4 a strange thing happens. David's conscience kicks in. He knows he has been disrespectful to the king and has MESSED UP HIS WITNESS.
In v. 8 he comes before Saul begging for forgiveness. David's cutting of Saul's robe hindered his showing Saul that he does not want to destroy him. Saul, in the face of David's humble repentance, reacts with awe and praise of David.

When David finished saying this, Saul asked, “Is that your voice, David my son?” And he wept aloud. 17“You are more righteous than I,” he said. “You have treated me well, but I have treated you badly. 18You have just now told me of the good you did to me; the Lord delivered me into your hands, but you did not kill me. 19When a man finds his enemy, does he let him get away unharmed? May the Lord reward you well for the way you treated me today. 20I know that you will surely be king and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands. 21Now swear to me by the Lord that you will not cut off my descendants or wipe out my name from my father’s family.”

A soft answer turned away Saul's wrath.

Romans 12:17-21 - 17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”^d says the Lord. 20On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

We have to forgive and move on. We have to be mature and rise above the fray. We need to focus on God and our relationship with Him so we can keep up our witness. We need to ask forgiveness if we fall for the temptation for the short-term satisfaction of a cheap shot. We don't fight fair in Him, we turn the other cheek...not because we are in denial, or are going to suppress what has happened, or be somebody's doormat, but because the Lord will settle things for us. Look at the turn about that happened in the situation between David and Saul at the cave...

I am going to keep pondering this in terms of my relationships, the way I talk to my kids about conflict, and when I wrong someone else. God is present. God will have the final word not me. When in a conflict the only person I know I can work on is ME, the rest is mercifully up to God.
{Yvette}

{click here to get the sermon notes, text, and/or listen}