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I Samuel 24:8-11, Then David went out of the cave and called out to Saul, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked behind him, David bowed down and prostrated himself with his face to the ground. He said to Saul, “Why do you listen when men say, ‘David is bent on harming you’?  This day you have seen with your own eyes how the Lord delivered you into my hands in the cave. Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you; I said, ‘I will not lay my hand on my lord, because he is the Lord’s anointed.’  See, my father, look at this piece of your robe in my hand! I cut off the corner of your robe but did not kill you. See that there is nothing in my hand to indicate that I am guilty of wrongdoing or rebellion. I have not wronged you, but you are hunting me down to take my life. 

David had the opportunity to take Saul’s life but he doesn’t take it.  He simply cuts off a corner of his robe when Saul is distracted.  He confronts Saul, making it clear that he has done nothing to deserve Saul’s hatred and attempts on his life.  David shows him the corner of his robe, demonstrating that he had (and still has) the power to kill Saul.  Why?  Because God is on David’s side.  David repeatedly says, “May the Lord be our judge and decide between us.”  And David makes it clear, he chose to repay Saul’s evil with mercy.

Saul is moved.  He admits that he knows that God will put David on the throne and asks David to not kill off his descendants.  There is some kind of reconciliation but at this point, we have no idea if Saul is sincere and if he will continue to pursue David.  But if only for just a moment, there is peace.

Let’s pray…Lord, We are grateful for examples of mercy, like David in this Scripture.  We are ultimately most thankful for your incredible mercy, your forgiveness, and your love.  Help us be even but a small reflection of that mercy in our interactions with others.  Where there is hatred and bitterness, Lord, sow mercy in our lives.  In Your Name, Amen.