Repaying Evil with Good

PRAY OVER THIS

So it was, when David had finished speaking these words to Saul, that Saul said, “Is this your voice, my son David?” And Saul lifted up his voice and wept.

(1 Samuel 24:16)

 

PONDER THIS

Notice how Saul was softened by David’s words. Before, he’d come with blood in his eye and with murder in his heart but now he said, “Is this your voice, my son David?” and he began to weep. This happened because David had done what the New Testament says—we’re to do good for evil.

David was far ahead of his time. David did good to his enemies. He followed what would be written in Romans 12:19-20: “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. Therefore ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.’” Saul effectively responded with, “I’ve never seen anything like this. You’re supposed to kill your enemies.” But David promised Saul that he would protect Saul’s loved ones (See Romans 12:20-21.). Through the Spirit of the Lord, David never won a greater victory than he did that day in the cave—a victory over self, over Saul, and over sin.

What makes it hard to show goodness to those who do evil in our lives?

Who is God calling you to respond to in this way today?

PRACTICE THIS

Make a list of the evil you have done against God and dwell on the way He has done good to you in Christ. Ask Him to lead you to do the same with others who have done evil in your life.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers