Daily Devotional for Thursday, August 10

David's Mercy and Righteousness

“And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD’s anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD,” I Samuel 24:6.

There was a faithful Deacon I once knew with a loving wife and four grown sons, all actively serving the Lord. Tragically, his life was taken by a drunk driver and this dear family was left without husband and father. Although the pain of their loss was intense, they never spoke a cruel word to the one who took the life of their loved one. This precious family had every opportunity to lash out at this individual who had caused them such grief, but they chose to show forgiveness and mercy by telling her about the love and salvation found only in Jesus Christ. What tremendous mercy!

David showed great mercy toward Saul as well. Saul had been intensely pursuing David, full of rage, determined to kill him. Now Saul was vulnerable, and it appeared to be the perfect situation for David to finally destroy the one who had sought to take his life for so long. Rather than killing Saul, he cut off his skirt and later made it known to Saul that he had opportunity to kill him, but he would not. David had great mercy, but also recognized Saul’s position as king and would not touch the anointed of God. This speaks to his righteousness. The mercy shown to Saul changed his entire demeanor and he was humbled and ceased pursuing David. Mercy is a powerful attribute of our great God!

As followers of Christ and His representatives in this world, we are to show mercy and righteousness in difficult situations. You will be mistreated in this life, that is a fact. But rather than having a heart of revenge, show the love of Christ. Freely you have received, freely give.

REFLECTION: “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7)

Darla Goodrum