Daily Devotions
Returning Good for Evil
Reading for April 3rd: 1 Samuel 25-27
Saul recognized David's voice and said, "Is this your voice, my son David?" And David said, "It is my voice, my lord, O king." And he said, "Why does my lord pursue after his servant? For what have I done? What evil is on my hands?"
1 Samuel 26:17-18
David had nothing but good for Saul. He was a faithful servant in his house and soldier in his army. He had spared Saul's life not once, but twice. Yet Saul was relentless in his pursuit to kill David. For all of the kindness and loyalty shown to his king, all David got in return was misery and grief.
That may be the way you feel right now toward an authority figure in your life. You may be dealing with a boss who is unfair. Your parents might be harsh and unreasonable. Your husband may be cruel and domineering with you.
What can we learn from David's example?
- He was respectful. He called Saul "my lord" and "king" referring to himself as Saul's "servant."
- He refused to return evil for evil. He would not raise his hand against the Lord's anointed. Even though Saul was not acting the part, he was still to be respected and even defended as God's king.
Show proper courtesy and respect to anyone who is in a position of authority over you, even when they don't deserve that position. Don't try to get even with them. Leave all vengeance to God. It may be that you can overcome their stubborn, prideful heart with kindness and respect (Rom 12:14-21).
Father, help us to show the meekness of Christ in all our relationships.
