Grace in the Face of Hatred

Grace in the Face of Hatred

And David behaved wisely in all his ways, and the Lord was with him.

I Samuel 18:14

As we continue to consider how God worked in the life of David, to conform him into the Image of Christ, we come today to dwell upon David’s relationship with Saul, the King. As David’s star was rising, Saul’s was beginning to wane. After David defeated Goliath, ‘…the women sang as they danced, and said: “Saul has slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands.” Then Saul was very angry, and the saying displeased him; and he said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed only thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?” So Saul eyed David from that day forward. And it happened on the next day that the distressing spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house. So David played music with his hand, as at other times; but there was a spear in Saul’s hand. And Saul cast the spear, for he said, “I will pin David to the wall!” But David escaped his presence twice.’  In the behavior of David, in the face of these adversities, we behold great likeness to Christ. David was gracious, did not retaliate, or demonstrate any ill-will towards Saul. This is not natural behavior. It can only be wrought by the Spirit of God. Mere human nature cannot withstand such mistreatment without resorting to rendering evil for evil, and hatred for hatred. Here we behold the work of God in the life of David to conform him to the Image of Christ. So God does with us. We may also find opposition from wicked people. They may be in positions of authority. They may seek to do us harm, on many occasions and at many levels. Only Christ can bear us up under such adversity. Only His Holy Spirit can sanctify us so that we do not resort to unChristlike behavior. Today, let us rest in Christ, and look to Christ to lift us up above our adversaries. May He enable us to show grace in the face of hatred; love in the presence of venom; and joy in the midst of unrest.

Our Gracious and Loving God,
we praise You that You show us the way;
that Christ is our Great Example,
to show us Grace and Wisdom in the face of hatred.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning