Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Peace in the midst of Violence
1 Samuel 24:1-12
Moncy Mathews
Baltimore MTC, MD
5 Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his (Saul’s) robe… 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.

Peace hardly makes the news in the world we live in today; rather the trendy news usually involves violence. There is so much violence within our community, neighboring homes, schools and ironically even in churches. Violence has permeated so much in our society and culture, it has become a lifestyle and we have been de-sensitized to it. We need to reform this type of thinking. Reformation of a lifestyle has to begin first internally by the renewal of one’s mind, becoming “conscience-stricken” people. Before we examine the violent tendencies of the people around us, let us first take an inward look at ourselves and correct the destructive thoughts and habits that plague our own lives.

In this passage we see that Saul is on the hunt for David, in order to end his life. We understand, David had the upper hand and is in the position to end the life of his tormentor for good. In fact, David’s men even suggested this to him. David however responds in an unpopular manner. David spares Saul’s life. David leaves the avenging to the Lord and decides he will restrain himself even if he was justified to seek vengeance on his own accord. David is giving God the rightful place to be the judge and executioner.

This is the definition of mercy. David was able to exercise forgiveness when it was clearly unwarranted. Like David, if we want to end the cycle of violence in our own lives, there are some things we just need to let go and let God. It does not matter if we are justified in seeking our vengeance; let us leave the avenging to the Lord. Like David, let us trust God to avenge the wrongs done to us. As Christians we are expected to live Christ-like and our lifestyle should emulate His loving and merciful attitude. In order to do this, like David we need to be mindful of our conscience but ultimately let it Go and simply let God.

PRAYER


Gracious Father, we thank You for this day. We thank You for the love You showed us on the cross. Help us to end the cycle of violence in our lives and in our communities by loving people sacrificially. We ask You today to make us aware of our conscience. Help us to understand that mercy is better than revenge. Teach us to love others and to love mercy. In Jesus name we pray –Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Let it Go and Let God

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