Bleeding Grace

Thus Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father, and said to him, “Let not the king sin against his servant, against David, because he has not sinned against you, and because his works have been very good toward you. 1 Samuel 19:4

Ten years ago the war had recently finished in Liberia and the streets of Monrovia were liberally sprinkled with former warriors. These ex-combatants were often drug-crazed and more than a little used to getting their way through violence. Sometimes they were mean. Really mean. 

Shell casings littering the streets of Monrovia (Image public domain)

My life was intertwined with their lives not only when I personally was out and about, but also through the various interactions my Liberian and expatriot friends had with them. Sometimes I was tempted to give in to cynicism. After all, what hope is there for people who have demonstrated such long-term willingness to be evil? 

I am not the first person to be tempted in this fashion. While the Bible doesn't give every detail of the struggle, we know David also had his difficulties with people bent on evil. Of special concern was Saul, the king of Israel. His king. 

For years after his private anointing by the prophet Samuel, David knew he was going to be king one day. He had no idea when that would happen nor how God would open the door to make it a reality. Through a series of events only God could have orchestrated, David was given opportunities to be lifted up in the eyes of the people. Namely, God gave David military victory over Israel's enemies. But rather than being grateful and relieved, King Saul want crazy with jealousy.  In fact, rather than thanking him, Saul chased David relentlessly for many years. David was forced to flee the country and live among his enemies, often in caves. It must have been terribly difficult. 

In the Psalms we see David question the whys of it, but the Bible never shows David responding in sinful anger to Saul. Instead he responds with continual grace. Year after year, temptation after temptation, more grace. Unbelievably, when being hurt by the most powerful man in his world, David doesn't bleed sarcasm, cynicism, pride or a scornful attitude. He bleeds grace. 

While many of my wounds have been self-inflicted, life has contained more than a few hurts I, in no way, brought on myself. What I do with either of these types of wounds defines who I am. By God's grace alone can I become a person who sincerely apologizes and repents of sins I commit against others. By God's grace alone can I become a person who bleeds humility rather than pride and grace rather than bitterness when others sin against me. By God's grace alone can I become a David rather than a Saul.

See A Bitter Pill to Swallow.
See Embracing Humility.