Scripture

And Saul said to David, “You are a better man than I am, for you have repaid me good for evil.”

Observation

Saul resumes his hunt for David in the wilderness of En-gedi. On one occasion, Saul goes into a cave to relieve himself, while David and his men are hiding further in the same cave. David cuts off the hem od Saul’s garment despite his army urging him to use the opportunity to kill Saul.

When Saul leaves the cave, David call out to him and questions why Saul has been hunting him. David shows him the strip of garment demonstrating his loyalty to Saul.

Saul admits that David is the better man, having repaid good for evil. David promises that when he becomes king he will look after Saul’s family. So SAul goes home, but David and his men remain in their stronghold .

Application

The way of the world is to repay evil for evil, tit-for-tat, revenge and honour killings. The way of God is to repay good for evil.

When someone wrongs us, intentionally or otherwise, we should swallow our desire for revenge and all manifestations of anger. We should forgive them and, then, if we have an ongoing relationship, seek to bless them.

The best way to defeat an enemy is to turn them into a friend. This is what God has done for us. We were once enemies of God, but through Christ, we are now friends of God. The fight is over. We are reconciled to him.

Prayer

Thank you Lord for redeeming me, for turning me from your enemy into your friend. Please help me to deal in the same way with people who set themselves against me. Amen.