Responding in Grace

1 Chron 17-19, Ps 35 Sometimes we have honorable motives that are misconstrued by others. In chapter 19, David wanted to honor the deceased, but the deceased son’s counselors saw it differently. They saw David’s overture as seeking information for war. Sometimes even when we do what we think is correct, it is seen as the opposite. Our words are thrown back in our face or in this case the son responded by exhibiting an outward demonstration of shame for David’s men. “So Hanun seized David’s servants and shaved their beards off. He cut off the lower part of their robes so that their buttocks were exposed and then sent them away.” David gave them permission to spend time in Jericho until their beards had grown. [1Chron 19:4]

The only way to respond when our efforts and motives are questioned is to respond with grace, not anger. Perhaps that is one reason David wrote Ps 35:4 “May those who seek my life be embarrassed and humiliated. May those who plan to harm me be turned back and ashamed.”

Today when your words or actions are misconstrued, know that God sees your heart,  so lay these concerns before Him, and “you will heap coals of fire on [their] head, and the Lord will reward you.” [Prov. 25:22]