Forgive

 So much turmoil lately.  I'm saddened as I read my facebook feed and see so much arguing and aggravation with one another.  Then, as I read the comments, I realize that many assumptions are being made.  Try reading a comment in the meanest voice possible.  It upsets you!  Then, try reading the same comment as a friend in a loving, unargumentative manner.  Your feeling might be quite different.    Assumptions are never helpful in achieving true communication.  Many people's feelings are being hurt and many hurtful words being said.

As I was reading in my Bible this morning, I was once again amazed at David.  How slow to anger he was!  In 1 Samuel 24 his enemy, Saul, is chasing him once again. David had the chance to be avenged of his enemy and kill him!  He didn't.   He could have gotten revenge!  He didn't.  Instead, he let his enemy go.

In the center of my Bible I have some notes from a message I heard preached about this passage.

~Expect to be mistreated at some time.
~Anticipate feelings of revenge.
~Resist those feelings
~Refuse to fight in the flesh.
~Forgive.  (Only with God's Help is this possible!)

Forgiveness Brings Victory, Bitterness Enslaves Us.

Romans 12:17-21 Is the perfect companion passage to this thought.

Recompense to no man evil for evil.  Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath:  for it is written, Vengeance is mine;  I will repay, saith the Lord.
Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him;  if he thirst, give him drink:  for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.