Rev. Don Campbell
2 Samuel 19-21
THOUGHT FOR TODAY, May 19, 2019
“FORGIVENESS IS NOT A ONE-WAY STREET”
Some people read the imprecatory psalms (those in which David asks God to destroy his enemies) and conclude that David was vindictive. They misread those psalms. In our reading today, the rebellion of Absalom has been put down and David returns to Jerusalem. Some who had been loyal to the house of Saul feared that David would take vengeance on them. Some did urge David to put them to death, but David refused, “‘Who asked your opinion, you sons of Zeruiah!’ David exclaimed. ‘Why have you become my adversary today? This is not a day for execution, for today I am once again the king of Israel!’ Then, turning to Shimei, David vowed, ‘Your life will be spared’” (2 Samuel 19:22-23). David could forgive because he had been forgiven of so much (See Psalm 32 & 51).
Just prior to the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21-35), Jesus said, “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother” (v.15). In the Sermon on the Mount, he had said, “So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:23-24). Forgiveness is not a one-way street with one person sitting at the end of it waiting for the other person to come begging for forgiveness. If we follow Jesus’ instructions, we will meet somewhere on Reconciliation Way.
This is not optional. Jesus said, “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:14-15).
CONNECTIONS
1. Would you agree with Gandhi who said, “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong”?
2. Is there someone whom you need to be meeting in the middle? Who should go first?
