Bow down Your ear, O Lord, answer me; for I am poor and needy. Preserve my soul, for I am faithful; You are my God; save Your servant who trusts in You! (Psalm 86:1-2)
The Bible tells us that shortly before Messiah’s crucifixion, a woman of questionable character came to Him and washed His feet with her tears. Others in the room were indignant at the fact Yeshua would allow this seeing that the woman was regarded as a sinner. His response to this was to point out that, because she was forgiven of many sins, she loved more than others. He also pointed out that, on the other hand, “To whom little is forgiven, the same loves little” (Luke 7:47). This exchange is commonly interpreted to mean that those God has forgiven of terrible sins tend to love God more fervently than those who weren’t inclined to get into a lot of mischief. And while I agree this may be a correct assessment, have we ever considered it to speak beyond our interaction with the Creator?
This is what I mean: the second greatest command is to love your neighbor as yourself. So, could we not say that those who have received God’s mercy for a life filled with terrible words and deeds might be quick to be incredibly merciful to others who struggle with sin? Taking it one step further, as believers, we are challenged to go above and beyond what others do when it comes to compassion and mercy; Yeshua said, “For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?” (Matthew 5:46). In other words, if God has bestowed His love upon us who were guilty of sin, shouldn’t we be willing to show love and mercy to others, even those who despise us?
This notion brings us to what David prayed — “Preserve my soul, for I am faithful.” That he worded his prayer thus suggests, that more than pleading for the preservation of his life, David — a name that literally means “beloved” (of God) — was praying that God would protect his inner man from thoughts and intentions that would corrupt him. For example, when his enemies cursed and reviled him, he did not lash out at them. When others actively sought to take his life, he did not retaliate even when given multiple opportunities. When his deliverance finally came and his enemies were destroyed, he did not celebrate their death but mourned. In short, David prayed that he would not become like those who hated him.
David was obviously loved by God and, on those occasions when he did falter, he was quick to repent and God was quick to forgive. Therefore, David presents us an example of what a man after God’s own heart will do when adversaries and antagonists rise up against us — we extend mercy and forgive. If we have been forgiven much, we should love God and our fellow man for much. As it is written, “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:44-45).
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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