Forgiveness: A Surprising Way ForwardSample

Day 5: A Better Way

"May the Lord judge between you and me. And may the Lord avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you." ~ I Samuel 24:12

Saul lived a life of affluence. He enjoyed palace life, servants, financial resources, and an army at his command. David’s life in exile was incredibly difficult. He was betrayed, banished, homeless, and under constant threat of death from friend and foe alike. If this were all you knew about these two men, which would you expect to have a more optimistic outlook? Who would you predict to have a greater, more positive impact on their world?

By now, we all know that Saul’s bitterness destroyed every aspect of his life and legacy. What about David? What is his impact on the world around him? We learn that David takes in and supports social outcasts (1 Samuel 22:2), fights off renegade attacks on villagers (23:1-5), provides police security for farmers (25:7), sets policy that carries over into his rule (30:25), and builds a famously formidable fighting force.

David has every reason to resent Saul. How is David able to set his pain aside and move forward? Let’s take a second look at 1 Samuel 24. When Saul makes his rest stop in the cave, David’s men see the opportunity of a lifetime. David could end the misery of banishment with a single stroke of his sword. His men rationalized revenge with spiritual-sounding logic, “This is the day the Lord spoke of when he said to you, ‘I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.’” (1 Samuel 24:4)

It's the perfect ending to a Hollywood drama. David, our righteous hero, brings justice and puts down evil! David chooses a surprisingly different path. He forgives. He puts justice in God’s hands, trusting Him to set things right. “May the Lord judge between you and me. And may the Lord avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you.” (1 Samuel 24:12)

Forgiveness doesn’t mean David must now trust Saul. David understands it is unsafe to return to Saul’s service. David wisely keeps his distance while trusting God to bring justice in His perfect timing. Forgiveness leaves David homeless and in exile for many more years. Still, which man leads a better life? Saul? Certainly not! Saul’s life is derailed by bitterness while David moves forward. Even in exile David knows peace and joy, living free of the burden of resentment.

Looking Deeper

Do you know someone who does not hold resentment? How would you describe the quality of this person’s life?

Is there anyone you refuse to “let off the hook” because of the awful things they have done? Is this helping you or hurting you? How is your resentment affecting them?

If you give God responsibility for this situation, can He be trusted to make it right?