2 Samuel Chapter 16: Verse 3 (NLT)
“And where is Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson?” the king asked him. “He stayed in Jerusalem,” Ziba replied. “He said, ‘Today I will get back the kingdom of my grandfather Saul.’”
2 Samuel Chapter 19: Verses 24-30 (NLT)
Now Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson, came down from Jerusalem to meet the king. He had not cared for his feet, trimmed his beard, or washed his clothes since the day the king left Jerusalem.“Why didn’t you come with me, Mephibosheth?” the king asked him.
Mephibosheth replied, “My lord the king, my servant Ziba deceived me. I told him, ‘Saddle my donkey so I can go with the king.’ For as you know I am crippled. Ziba has slandered me by saying that I refused to come. But I know that my lord the king is like an angel of God, so do what you think is best. All my relatives and I could expect only death from you, my lord, but instead you have honored me by allowing me to eat at your own table! What more can I ask?”
“You’ve said enough,” David replied. “I’ve decided that you and Ziba will divide your land equally between you.”
“Give him all of it,” Mephibosheth said. “I am content just to have you safely back again, my lord the king!”
Mephibosheth had benefited from David’s generosity and promise to his father, Jonathan. Yet it had appeared that he had thrown this back in David’s face. But in truth it had been Mephibosheth himself who had been betrayed. However, we see how graciously he responds when it would have been easy to be bitter and angry.
If we have had the disappointment of having someone speak ill of us and spread untruth about us, we can feel hurt and angry, but as Christians how should we respond. Jesus told His disciples to turn the other cheek. Mephibosheth did just that. Its not always an easy thing to do, but it is the right thing to do.
Dear Lord,
I know that doing the right thing isn’t always easy. Help me to have the same attitude Mephibosheth if someone speaks ill of me, or treats me unfairly. And in my hurt, may I never try to get my own back, but draw comfort from Your presence. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.