We have all been lied about, abused, defamed, humiliated, attacked. What is the best plan of action?
The natural way to respond is to see the record straightened out. We want abusers punished. We want their offense to light. We want others to know the pain that others have caused.
But these processes do not bring healing.
Young David, son of Jesse, a shepherd, giant slayer, minstrel, soldier to Saul, just a great guy. Everybody’s BFF! No fault at all, yet Saul, overcome by a demon, wanted to kill David. David had risked his life many times for the king. He deserved honor not persecution. Yet, David was under a kill-on-sight order from the king.
David had the perfect opportunity to free himself of his death sentence; to vindicate himself. (Remember David has already been anointed as the future king by the prophet Samuel.)
In 1 Samuel 24, David and his men were hiding in a cave, the very cave Saul came in to relieve himself. David had to restrain himself and his men from getting revenge.
David had another chance to destroy his attacker in 1 Samuel 26, but he refused.
David was living in supernatural strength, seen in Romans 12:14; Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. [to “bless” comes from a Greek word to speak well of, or praise] 17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men [I can be at peace with them, though they may not be at peace with me]. 19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. [God’s repayment is redemptive, our repayment is destructive] 20 “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, [Buy their lunch!] and if he is thirsty, give him a drink [buy them a cup of coffee!]; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil [if we do not bless them, or if we take opportunity for revenge, we will be overcome by evil], but overcome evil with good.
Do not get me wrong. There is a place for correcting. There is even a place for publicly declaring sins of others. But I am talking today about personal attacks, affronts, criticisms, etc. I personally, think there is way too much public condemnation already.
I want to do the supernatural thing; bless my enemies, and let God bring His version of vengeance.
Blessings!