1 Samuel, 26
2. And Saul rose up, and he descended into the desert of Ziph, and with him three thousand elect men of Israel, so that he might seek David in the desert of Ziph.
2. And Saul rose up, and he descended into the desert of Ziph, and with him three thousand elect men of Israel, so that he might seek David in the desert of Ziph.
1 Samuel 26 deals with the second time David has the opportunity to kill Saul, but chooses not to do so. Saul again chases David, but this time David manages to infiltrate Saul's camp and get to where he was sleeping. Even with the chance to take revenge, David chooses to save Saul's life and demonstrates his faithfulness to God. The selected verses are:
Proverbs 24:17-18: "It is not happy when your enemy falls, nor does it exulted his heart when he stumbles, that the Lord may not see him, and that displeases him, and deviate from him his wrath." This verse warns of the danger of rejoicing with the fall of the enemy, for God must judge the actions of men.
Romans 12:19: "Beloved, never seek to take revenge, but leave with God the wrath, for it is written, 'My is revenge; I will return,' says the Lord." This verse reinforces the idea that revenge is not something Christians should seek, but to leave in God's hands.
2 Timothy 2:22-24: "Escape from the evil passions of youth and follow justice, faith, love and peace, together with those who invoke the Lord with a pure heart. Do not argue with anyone; be kind to with All, fit to teach, patients and humble. We should not return evil with evil, but always try to do good.
Ephesians 4:31-32: "Get rid of all bitterness, indignation and wrath, shouting, and slander, as well as all wickedness. Be kind and compassionate to each other, forgiving each other, just as God forgave them in Christ." This verse emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and goodness as Christian virtues.
Matthew 5:44: "But I say unto them, Love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them." This verse teaches to love and pray for the enemies instead of taking revenge or rejoicing with their fall. It is a demonstration of love of neighbor and obedience to the teachings of Jesus.
“E’ na dor que o amor se torna mais forte.” São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina
