I Samuel 21-24

David is often called a man after God's own heart, this means that David possesses and behaved in a manner consistent with God's character, there is no better demonstration of this than in I Samuel 24. At this point in David's life as king of Israel, king Saul is still on the throne but has been ruthlessly pursuing David seeking to kill him. Saul just finished disarming a Philistine attack and is now re-focused on finding and eliminating the threat to his throne - David son of Jesse. Relieving himself in a cave on the Rocks of the Wild Goats in the wilderness of En Gedi, David has an opportunity to slay Saul but instead cuts a piece off of his robe. Following and calling to Saul at the opening of the cave David pleads his case and demonstrates his blameless character:

I Samuel 24:11 (NKJV) "Yes, see the corner of your robe in my hand! For in that I cut off the corner of your robe, and did not kill you, know and see that there is neither evil nor rebellion in my hand, and I have not sinned against you."

David operated rightly and mercifully, with Saul as his enemy seeking to kill and destroy, David's response was one of great restraint and mercy. How many men would have done the same? Consistently throughout scripture we see God's good character self-described, do we operate in grace, mercy and compassion consistently or are we more prone to evil, unrighteous anger and violence?

Joel 2:13-14 (NKJV) "Return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness; and He relents from doing harm. Who knows if He will turn and relent - and leave a blessing behind Him..."

We are commanded to bless those who curse us, to love our enemies and to forgive as Jesus forgave his accusers and murderers. That is grace and true love in action. 

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