Shimei cursed, cast stones at David, and said “Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial. The LORD hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of Saul!”
Then said Abishai unto the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head.”
And the king said, “Let him curse, because the LORD hath said unto him, Curse David. It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day.” — 2nd Kings 16-17
It seems there’s always someone adding insult to injury. So, how do you handle difficult people?
King David gives the right example.
Fleeing for his life from his own son he was followed by someone taking the opportunity to add his own cheap shots.
Instead of responding in kind, however, David offered it as a sacrifice to God! He knew God has compassion on suffering and recognized his need for that compassion. The Bible says,
If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there; if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath. – Psalm 34:18 (Message Bible)
Offer suffering and the rudeness of others as a sacrifice to God — he sees and returns compassion.
— fritz@langgang.com


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