2 Samuel 19: 18-23 (NIV)
They crossed at the ford to take the king’s household over and to do whatever he wished.
When Shimei son of Gera crossed the Jordan, he fell prostrate before the king and said to him, “May my lord not hold me guilty. Do not remember how your servant did wrong on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem. May the king put it out of his mind. For I your servant know that I have sinned, but today I have come here as the first from the tribes of Joseph to come down and meet my lord the king.”
Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said, “Shouldn’t Shimei be put to death for this? He cursed the Lord’s anointed.”
David replied, “What does this have to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? What right do you have to interfere? Should anyone be put to death in Israel today? Don’t I know that today I am king over Israel?” So the king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” And the king promised him on oath.
Shimei had been really nasty to King David when he had initially fled from Jerusalem. David had resisted the advice to have him killed at that time. Now it seemed David’s men felt he was being given a chance to be vindicated. But once more David chooses to show mercy. Shimei did not need to come before the king at that time, but I think it shows that his repentance was genuine and not purely a rouse to save his life.
How do we react when people who may have been nasty or unkind to us come and ask for forgiveness? Do we hold a grudge, or do we rejoice in their troubles? Other people might, even on our behalf. They might see it that the person is getting their just desserts. As Christians we need to extend mercy to the person and also make sure that others are made aware that we bear no ill will. David wasn’t perfect but God said he was a man after God’s own heart, and he had a great capacity in his heart for mercy and justice. And that’s what God expects from us too!
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the example of David and his capacity to show mercy to those who wronged him. Help me to do the same and to be very public in that too. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.