“As the old saying goes, ‘From evildoers come evil deeds,’ so my hand will not touch you” (1 Samuel 24:13, NIV).
David and his men had been running from and hiding from King Saul for a long time. They had been away from their families, living in caves and mountains. By killing King Saul, David could have saved himself a lot of headache and solved many of his problems. He and his men could have returned home. Even though he was encouraged and counseled by his men to kill the king, David chose to take the high road and spare Saul’s life.
Taking the high road is not easy. Most of us have the “eye for an eye, and tooth for a tooth” type of mentality. When we feel we have been wronged or when we know we have been wronged, usually we want to get even or at least to confront the person. I know that is my reaction. I try to tell myself to let it go. Not easy, but in the grand scheme of things, what does it really matter? Letting it go, not standing up for ourselves, is seen as weakness. Not so. It takes a strong person to forgive and release.
Lord, please help us over the bumps in life, which cause us hurt and calm our vengeful hearts.
Cheryl B. Gilroy, Dowling Park, Fla.
