Psalms 13, 17, 22, 54, I Samuel 24:1-22

Isn’t Psalm 22 thrilling? It starts off with the words Jesus spoke from the cross and includes great detail about the crucification. It’s all there from the mocking and insults, a weak and thirsty Jesus, the nails in his hands and feet, the fact his bones were not broken, to the casting of lots for Jesus’ clothing. “For he has done it.”

There is no way David could have described that scene except God told him. This is quite an example of “God-breathed” Scripture. 

So when I read how David treated Saul, who wanted David dead, I have to believe it as God-breathed Scripture. Instead of treating Saul the way Saul was treating him, David showed kindness and respect. Saul wanted an enemy in David. David wanted a friend in Saul.

It’s human nature, I think, to repay evil with evil. It’s supernatural to treat evil with kindness. I’m certainly not saying we turn a blind eye to abuse or illegal activity. There are laws we must follow.

I used to tell kids it’s hard to be mean to someone who’s nice to you. It’s not impossible, but it’s not as fun, either. Most bullies pick on people for the reaction they get from their victim. Walking away without reacting doesn’t give the bully what he wants. And doing something kind or thoughtful for the bully confuses him or her.

Kindness is not a quick-fix as we will see in David’s story. But Paul reminds us in Romans 12:21, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good”. It’s a process. And it’s hard. But it works or God wouldn’t have breathed those words into the ears of the writers of Scripture.

Is there someone who is being mean to you or treating you unfairly? Give him a sincere compliment. Smile and say hello instead of avoiding her. They may not deserve your kindness. But you deserve the satisfaction of knowing you have done the right thing.

All I know is, the Bible recommends kindness. Pray about it. See if God would have you repay some evil with good. You might as well begin today.

God, I am blown away by Scripture. Thank you so much for inspiring the writers to put down your truth. I pray for people who are experiencing some form of mistreatment. May they look to you for direction and, if they feel led, do something kind for the person who is mistreating them. Not just once. But as long as it takes to win them over. I trust you, because it is in your Word, that you will bring about good.