When You Want To Get Even

After a 4-year-old got into trouble at preschool, his mom asked him what he had done wrong. He explained, “I was angry with a playmate. But you told me that I should not hit anyone, so I asked my friend to do it for me!” ¹ I believe you would agree that this little boy got revenge in a rather creative way. Often when someone gets hurt they want to get even—one way or the other. If anyone ever had a reason for wanting to get even it was a young man named David.

David was on the run for his life! He was being hunted by King Saul who, because of his jealousy of David, was determined to kill David. In fact, David had already escaped from Saul on more than one occasion. It is clear that David had done nothing to deserve Saul’s rage and yet he was hunted like an animal (1 Samuel 24:11). On two separate occasions, while Saul was hunting for David, David had an opportunity to kill Saul. He was even encouraged by his own men, but he spared Saul’s life. David entrusted his life to God. He trusted God to avenge him (1 Samuel 24:12). He trusted God to deliver him from Saul’s hand (1 Samuel 24:15; 26:24).

Although he had what many would call justifiable reasons to take Saul’s life, David chose not to touch him (1 Samuel 24:12-13; 26:11, 23). Instead, he left it in God’s hands. By choosing not to harm Saul, David was commended by Saul. Saul told David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have repaid me good, whereas I have repaid you evil" (1 Samuel 24:17). Later Saul acknowledged: “Blessed be you, my son David! You will do many things and will succeed in them” (1 Samuel 26:25).

Do you feel you have justifiable reasons to seek revenge? Are you waiting to get even with someone who has hurt you? If so, learn a lesson from David. Entrust your life to God. Trust God to avenge you. Leave the matter in God’s hands. Like David, don’t in any way harm the one who has hurt you. We would do well to remember the words of David to King Saul, “The LORD rewards every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness” (1 Samuel 26:23a).

So, when you want to get even, follow David’s example and entrust your life to God! Remember, God will reward you for your righteousness! 

“Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.” Romans 12:17

 

¹ Story taken from Our Daily Bread, November 20, 2010.