ODB: Not Seeking Revenge
August 22, 2021
READ: 1 Samuel 24:1–4, 14–18
[Saul said], “The
The farmer climbed into his truck and began his morning inspection of the crops. On reaching the farthest edge of the property, his blood began to boil. Someone had used the farm’s seclusion to illegally dump their trash—again.
As he filled the truck with the bags of food scraps, the farmer found an envelope. On it was printed the offender’s address. Here was an opportunity too good to ignore. That night he drove to the offender’s house and filled his garden with not just the dumped trash but his own!
Revenge is sweet, some say, but is it right? In 1 Samuel 24, David and his men were hiding in a cave to escape a murderous King Saul. When Saul wandered into the same cave to relieve himself, David’s men saw a too-good-to-ignore opportunity for David to get revenge (vv. 3–4). But David went against this desire to get even. “The
As we or our loved ones face injustice, opportunities to take revenge on offenders may well come. Will we give in to these desires, as the farmer did, or go against them, like David? Will we choose righteousness over revenge?
— Sheridan Voysey
When have you most felt like getting even with someone? How can David’s response guide you as you seek justice for yourself and others?
Jesus, lover of our enemies, may I seek justice Your way. Visit ChristianUniversity.org/courses/70x7 to learn more about finding personal peace in forgiveness.
Source: Our Daily Bread
