The One True Relationship

Scripture: See, my father, see the corner of your robe in my hand. For by the fact that I cut off the corner of your robe and did not kill you, you may know and see that there is no wrong or treason in my hands. I have not sinned against you, though you hunt my life to take it. May the Lord judge between me and you, may the Lord avenge me against you, but my hand shall not be against you. As the proverb of the ancients says, ‘Out of the wicked comes wickedness.’ But my hand shall not be against you. 1 Samuel 24:11-13

Observation: David had the chance to kill Saul in the cave, but instead he refused - even making the case to his men that he must not do so. Afterwards, he shows Saul that he in fact cut off a piece of Saul's robe to prove he could have killed him easily.

However, in so saying, David stops short of crediting Saul with worthiness to live. David instead makes three points very clear. First, that Saul is in the wrong - that Saul is hunting down David due to false reasons. Second, that it is God's right to judge Saul - that the Lord will judge between them and his own hand will not hand down judgment.  And third, that Saul is in fact guilty and is David's enemy - openly asking the Lord to avenge David against Saul.

In other words, David himself forgives Saul for the evil he is doing against David by attempting to kill him, and yet he understands God's judgment well enough to know that there is a major difference between forgiveness and judgment. David knows that the relationship between Saul and God is a matter for Saul to settle, but that his forgiveness of Saul is not about Saul, but is about his own relationship with God.

Application: As David models, how I interact with other people is not just about my relationship with other people ... it is about my relationship with God. God has provided me with instructions on how to interact with others - love them, care for them, be kind and gentle, be patient, tell them about Jesus, do not harm them or think badly of them, respect them. Therefore, when I do these things, it is because I am living out my relationship with God, not because I am living out relationships with people here on earth.

So in this way I can know if my relationship with God is improving: My actions and interactions with other people are looking more and more like how Jesus interacted with others. Jesus was attentive, caring, patient, kind, approachable, direct, instructive, and gentle. He spoke strong truth but not harsh words. He was mild with the meek, and bold with the stubborn. He had time for anyone who asked for it.

How can I be more like Jesus today?

Prayer: Lord, my question is my prayer today - how can I be more like you today? I look forward to opportunities to practice patience, gentleness, and kindness. I will take time with people. I will speak directly when necessary, but I will speak softly when appropriate. Amen.