Revenge is unChristlike. Holding a grudge against someone only puts us in mental prison. Often, the person we are out to get doesn't even know what is happening in our heart. Joab wanted to revenge the death of his brother at the hands of Abner. Abner, however killed Joab's brother is self-defense. When we do not forgive the facts don't matter anyway. We are blinded by our hatred and rage. In 2021 we aren't often prompted to murder as revenge. We are "civilized" people right? Our revenge comes by way of not talking to someone who has offended us, by making a co-worker look bad in front of the boss, by not speaking the truth when we hear a falsehood being stated about the person we are angry with at the time. The human heart is desperately wicked and Jesus calls all of these actions sin! He even said, “You have heard that it was said to our ancestors, Do not murder, and whoever murders will be subject to judgment.  But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his brother or sister will be subject to judgment (Matthew 5:21-22...).

Would you be willing to talk to your spouse, child, co-worker the next time they offend you instead of ignoring them as a way of punishing them?

Pray now ask God to reveal to you any person you have held a grudge against.

Call or text an apology to the person now.

Memorize Mathew 5:21-22 this week.

David was king over Judah, not king over Israel at this time. David's leaders did not take his example and wanted to move God's timing along while David wasn't willing to take Israel by force from the family of Saul. These murders were not God's plan and shocked David because he felt the son of Saul, the brother of Jonathon should never have been murdered this way. Those responsible for the senseless murder faced the death penalty.

What are three repercussions for taking matters into our own hands and not seeking God's counsel?

When consequences have faced personally for rushing God's timing in your life?

What advice can you give someone you believe is moving to fast?

The people of Saul's kingdom, Israel, watched how David led his life and how he acted when Saul died and when Saul's sons were murdered, and they knew the Spirit of God was on David. They came to David and anointed him king and the united kingdom began that day. At 30 years old David was one of the most powerful men on earth.

What do you think of the saying, "No one can judge me"? It may be true no one should judge in light of your eternity because that job belongs to God, but people have every right to judge your character. Jesus, Paul, Peter, and John tell us to "watch our for" people that aren't walking the walk. When we walk uprightly before the eyes of people they cannot help but notice we talk differently, we act differently, and we work differently. This will lead to a recognition we can be trusted.

Do you know of anything in your public life that might draw attention to your character being called into question?

When David arrived in Hebron he thought life would surely get better. The text says twice that the Lord of Armies was with him and was blessing him. However, Israel's enemy, the Philistines, attacked him twice. This does not sound like peace does it? You may find in your life the enemy keeps attacking, even when you obeying God to the best of your ability. A Christian life isn't easy and Jesus never said it would be. Jesus actually said, "I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” John 16:33 It is a strange concept that we believe our lives should be different than Jesus or His disciples.

We must always worship God as He demands. God is the one opening Himself up to the act of worship. The human heart demands it's on way even in the act of worship. Uzzah's sin was not that he tried to save the ark from hitting the ground, but that he thought his hands were cleaner than the ground.

Where has your preferences in worship created a cynical heart toward other churches or other styles of worship?

Is there anything you must have for worship to be complete?

(a flag, a cross, a prayer at a certain place, etc.?)