A few years ago, I worked as a supply (substitute) teacher in Birmingham, England. I initially embraced the help of the teaching assistant, but when she started taking over in class I was tempted to give in to resentment and insecurity. Instead, I decided to act in a way opposite to what I felt by vocalizing my genuine appreciation of her, praying for her, and challenging her in love. When it came time for me to leave my position, she gave me a gift and a thank you card. Acting in the opposite spirit had disarmed a teaching assistant who might have felt threatened and unappreciated.
David acted in the opposite spirit toward King Saul who was intent on killing him (1 Samuel 18:10-11, 1 Samuel 19:1,9-11). He spared Saul’s life on two occasions (1 Samuel 24:4, 1 Samuel 26:8), and even after his death David (who was now king) deliberately looked for anyone from Saul’s family to whom he could show kindness (2 Samuel 9:1). A servant found Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth for the king. The man was crippled in both feet due to an accident that occurred when he was a child (2 Samuel 4:4). David promised to take care of him and his family for the rest of his days (2 Samuel 9:10).
The Lord loves and rewards us when we reach out with kindness to others who have mistreated us (Proverbs 25:21-22). David is described as a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22), and his determination to consistently honor his enemy and the Lord’s anointed (King Saul) gives us a glimpse into the kind of heart God loves.
Just as the kindness of the Lord has helped us turn away from a life of sin (Romans 2:4), our kindness toward those who have wronged us may help turn them to God.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Matthew 5:17-30
More:
Read Romans 12:17-21 and consider what it says about conquering evil with good.
Next:
Who has been unkind to you or treated you poorly? Choose to act in the opposite spirit toward them—loving them and intentionally showing kindness.
ajratnam on June 29, 2014 at 6:21 am
It was reported that Dr. D L Moody preached his messages by the help of so many examples/ anecdotes / worldly stories. But when his dear wife attended a young preacher named Henry Morrison preaching wonderfully, giving his messages (what is now called as exploratory sermons), she advised Dr. D L Moody not to use any examples or stories (since they could never represent / replace the inspired God’s Word from the Bible.
I am of the same view of explaining one Biblical passage with other Biblical passage (Old Testament passages with New Testament or vice versa).
Our personal stories/examples never rightly represent the inspired Scripture since either the God’s Word suffers extensively or the personal examples linger longer in the minds of the readers.
Sometimes, the examples/anecdotes may be good with the author, but not with all the readers.
Even some are not suitable to be quoted/ comparable with the Inspired Scriptures.
So it is better to take up explaining one passage with another passage from the Bible itself as was done by the great preachers like Charles H. Spurgeon, F B Meyer, George H Morrison, etc. in their regular daily devotionals.
Hope it is sufficient for now in clarifying the writing of daily devotionals.
Gary Shultz on June 29, 2014 at 7:43 am
I have great difficulty with those situations. I know God has called us to show His love in that way, but it does not come naturally to me. I guess that’s why the Godly life needs the Captain of the soul.
tgustafs on June 29, 2014 at 8:50 am
The Bible certainly interprets itself. But Jesus routinely used stories, or pointed to objects — such as the temple or nature — to challenge his audience to think.
Ruth O'reilly-smith on June 29, 2014 at 9:50 am
Hi Gary, it certainly isn’t easy to choose to act in the opposite spirit when we’re dealing with difficult people. I am grateful for the help of the Holy Spirit in these moments of weakness (Romans 8:26). I’m not able to do it in my own strength or power, but by the power of the Holy Spirit (Zechariah 4:6). I’m praying for you Gary – that you would know the strength and the help of the Holy Spirit when you have to deal with people who come up against you. My only hope is – Christ in me (Colossians 1:27) through the Holy Spirit.
LCC on June 30, 2014 at 12:57 am
Totally agreed with you, Ruth. It is the Holy Spirit that enables us. I had the same experience recently at my workplace as your sharing in your article.
I was angry with my colleague and also frustrated with my boss who seemed to be “blind” in the situation. In the midst of this, I knew it is not right to be in confrontation nor being resentful. I prayed and I know we are called to be “peacemaker”. It was not easy but finally when I yielded to Him and in total agreement in His Word, the results was amazing. I was able to let it go. Peace and joy filled my heart. I was also amazed with the wisdom to tackle the situation. He gave me words to talk to both my colleague and my boss. Now my relationships with both my colleague and boss has been good. Indeed the Lord helped me to be a “peacemaker” in the situation as His will for us in Hebrew 12:14. Praise and glory to God! 🙂
Ruth O'reilly-smith on June 29, 2014 at 10:04 am
Thanks tgustafs and ajratnam, although our stories and anecdotes can’t come close to the inspired Word of God, they can help in our understanding of the Bible and God’s message to us through it. As you mentioned tgustafs, Jesus often used parables to explain spiritual concepts we might otherwise have found difficult to comprehend. We are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), so it’s not surprising that we enjoy using stories to illustrate our understanding of Creator God through His Word.
wman123 on June 29, 2014 at 10:33 am
Thanks for the post. It has caused me to reflect on my current circumstances and has opened my eyes to see that Christ has put me in this situation so I could act as He would and be a light in His world.
Ruth O'reilly-smith on June 29, 2014 at 11:11 am
Thanks wman123, I’m praying for God’s grace for you in your situation. May you know the peace that surpasses all human understanding and guards our hearts – the peace of Jesus Christ. I pray the Lord will show you what He wants you to say and do every day as you come into contact with the person/situation challenging you.