Lesson 20: Examples of Forgiving – David (part 3)

2 Samuel 19:24-30 - And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king. He had neither taken care of his feet nor trimmed his beard nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came back in safety. And when he came to Jerusalem to meet the king, the king said to him, “Why did you not go with me, Mephibosheth?” He answered, “My lord, O king, my servant deceived me, for your servant said to him, ‘I will saddle a donkey for myself, that I may ride on it and go with the king.’ For your servant is lame. He has slandered your servant to my lord the king. But my lord the king is like the angel of God; do therefore what seems good to you. For all my father’s house were but men doomed to death before my lord the king, but you set your servant among those who eat at your table. What further right have I, then, to cry to the king?” And the king said to him, “Why speak any more of your affairs? I have decided: you and Ziba shall divide the land.” And Mephibosheth said to the king, “Oh, let him take it all, since my lord the king has come safely home.”
 
Mephibosheth was the youngest son of David’s dear friend, Jonathan. He was also the only survivor of Jonathan’s family, and David had brought him to the palace to live with his family. When Absalom usurped David’s throne, Mephibosheth did not run away with David, and one of Saul’s servants told David it was because Mephibosheth had sworn his allegiance to Absalom.


Now, as David returns to Jerusalem, he discovers that Saul’s servant lied about Mephibosheth, that this guest in David’s home had made a choice to stay in Jerusalem rather than slow David down as he fled from Absalom. David was justified in his anger toward the lying servant, and made a judgement against that servant. But Mephibosheth had also forgiven those who had wronged him. He now requested David to not change anything in the agreement he had made with that servant.

In these verses we see David forgiving Mephibosheth for what he had believed was betrayal of faith and loyalty. Mephibosheth forgave David for taking everything he owned from him and giving it to the man who had betrayed him. The two men, so different in position, needed to reconcile with each other and forgiveness was the first step.

Who in your life is represented in this same situation? One of you is in a much different position than the other, and yet you already know there must be forgiveness on both sides. Did you notice that it was Mephibosheth who took the first step toward reconciliation with David? Have you, for example, needed to reconcile with a boss or other leader in your life. Do not be afraid to take the first step in explaining the situation from your point of view and admitting your own mistakes in the situation. Take the lead in asking forgiveness. Seek the reconciliation with the other person. Your genuine openness will be heard by God if not by the other person.

Prayer today: Heavenly Father, help me to take the first step in forgiveness and reconciliation with [name]. Give me Your words to say.