Love Is the Sweetest Revenge

S

(1 Samuel 24:17) [Saul] said to David, "You are more righteous than I, for you have repaid me good, whereas I have repaid you evil."

O

Having an enemy doesn't mean you're innocent or guilty. Having an enemy, and even more, having an opportunity for vengeance, exposes and solidifies one's character. As a just man, David prayed for vengeance (Psalms 9, 11, 34, 35, 59, 64, 65, etc.), but additionally, as a good man, (1) he protected himself and his people from Saul's wickedness, (2) he thought realistically about the consequences of sin, and (3) he returned his golden opportunity back to the Lord ... a freewill and extravagant offering to the Lord of his trust, innocence, and hope.

A

Not everyone seems to have the "gift" of having a person turn and become his or her enemy. Wouldn't it be "sweet" if that never happened. However, the brutality and injustice of Jesus' cross attests to sin's reality and it warns me of God's inescapable justice. My concern is that I lay down my own weapons of wickedness so I can become a recipient and conduit of God's grace.

P

Lord, help me become more righteous than merely vengeful. You were faithful and just to forgive me of my sins (1 John 1:7-9); help me to abide in Your faithful goodness and justice ... always.