2 Samuel 19:23
‘So the king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” The king also swore to him.’
The king is not a vindictive person. Shimei was mocking them as they were fleeing the city not so long ago. Many would have been stewing over that, hoping for an opportunity to get revenge. David could have used this opportunity to play with him a bit. He did neither. Just a straight forward answer that he wouldn't do anything.
David had a great faith. He knew God brought them back. How could he be vindictive. In his mind, that action might get him driven out of Jerusalem again. God in one's life makes all of us humble, even the most powerful.
Are we forgiving people? I hope so. It is a little complicated. I can think of two guys I have a problem with. However, in each situation, there isn't much I can do. The first one brought harm to a church. It wasn't my issue. The second person doesn't care much for me. I can't go to him and ask why he doesn't like me. Nor do I want to. It's ok that not everyone likes me. He happens to be in the orbit of my friend group. So, it's a little awkward. So, when I scan my heart to determine if I'm forgiving, these two pop up. I don't think I can do anything about either. Lord, help me with them, if there is anything I should do.
I had a negative influence in my upbringing. That left a mark. The negativity was transferred to me. I've wrestled plenty with it. The Holy Spirit has brought that to my awareness as it surfaced. He's shown me mercy and forgiveness. I've tried to live that with His infilling of mercy and grace.
Matthew 5:7 says, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown." I can recall a speaker sharing this. He gave an example of two pastors. One hard driving and the other loving. When the first one fell into trouble, he was driven out of the church. When the merciful one fell into trouble, the church rallied around him in loving support. That stuck with me. I've had trouble and felt alone. I wasn't merciful, so I didn't receive mercy. That story was right in front of me. Since then I have attempted to be merciful.
What makes much of a difference with me is that God has shown me that He's in control. He will make me what He wants. I don't have to work at it. I don't have to grab at opportunities that others are competing for. I used to and felt myself losing the favor of those who lost out. Now I try to follow Jesus' advice in Luke 14:8, "When you are invited by anyone to wedding feasts, do not recline in the first place, lest one more honorable than you might have been invited by him." Let others go ahead. If God wants that for me, He'll reserve it.
Knowing that God has all our futures in His hand takes the fight out of us. We can afford to be gracious and forgiving. In fact, it helps us. If we sow kindness, we'll reap it. If we sow giving others the advantage, God will give us the advantage He wants for us. The opportunities we seize rarely work out.
Lord, thank You for the example of David. He forgave Shimei. Help us to be forgiving. Thank You for all the rewards that You give.