Instead of retaliating against the man yelling and throwing things at him, he looked at it as an opportunity.
“It may be that the Lord will look upon my misery and restore to me his covenant blessing instead of his curse today.” (2 Samuel 16:12)
Can you imagine reacting like this? David was the King of Israel and had hundreds of his troops with him, yet refused to retaliate against this lone assailant, because he didn’t want to take away the opportunity of blessing from God for suffering undeservedly.
This is a historical example of what Jesus instructed His followers:
“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:27-28)
This is also an example of why God said David was “a man after his own heart”. Our retaliation of undeserved punishment can cause us to miss out on an opportunity to show undeserved love to others.
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. (1 Peter 3:18)
#LoveMatters