David Forgives Saul

1 Samuel 24:8-12

8 Then David went out of the cave and called out to Saul, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked behind him, David bowed down and prostrated himself with his face to the ground. 9 He said to Saul, “Why do you listen when men say, ‘David is bent on harming you’? 10 This day you have seen with your own eyes how the Lord delivered you into my hands in the cave. Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you; I said, ‘I will not lift my hand against my master, because he is the Lord’s anointed.’ 11 See, my father, look at this piece of your robe in my hand! I cut off the corner of your robe but did not kill you. Now understand and recognize that I am not guilty of wrongdoing or rebellion. I have not wronged you, but you are hunting me down to take my life. 12 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.

Saul was lambasting David – listening to the gossip and lies of others – and had his armies out seeking to kill him.  The Lord gave Saul to David and David had a chance to kill Saul but didn’t.  He forgave Saul and pleaded with Saul to stop listening to the lies.  David said: Now understand and recognize that I am not guilty of wrongdoing or rebellion. I have not wronged you, but you are hunting me down to take my life.

David – even given the opportunity – did not take matters in to his own hands – but rather deferred to the Lord: 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.

What a great example of forgiving someone – even before they acknowledged they were wrong – even before they apologized – even while they were still guilty of the offense.  A forgiving heart is for us – to remove the anger and resentfulness we have toward others.  We need to let go and let God!

Just something to think about today as you go on your way.

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