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"CHOOSING FORGIVENESS OVER REVENGE" "And, behold, as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes, so let my life be much set by in the eyes of the LORD, and let him deliver me out of all tribulation." (1 Samuel 26:24)In the previous chapter, David gained great wisdom from his experience with that wicked ole fella named Nabal. He learned that he did not have to take steps against those who mistreated him. On the contrary, he was well aware that the Lord is more than capable of dispensing justice. He learned from that past experience and applied it to his present circumstance. Now that is something we all need to heed.Now in the 8th verse of this chapter, David's friend, Abishai, wanted to put an end to this whole shebang and kill the sleeping, Saul. This is the second time God had delivered Saul into David's hands, but David left vengeance to God. He took his cares to the Lord and in so doing, the Lord took care of him. No wonder he was known as the man after God's own heart.Well, David knew that the way he treated king Saul would be the same way that others would treat him one day when he himself would become king. Looks to me like David believed in the law of sowing and reaping. If he was faithful to obey the Lord in not harming Saul, God would preserve his life when the tide of opposition came rolling along his way. It goes without saying then that the same measure we use toward those around us will be used toward us. If we use a spoonful of grace and mercy toward others, we will receive a spoonful of grace and mercy back from them. I like thinking that David probably looked around and found one of those big old 50-gallon barrels and filled it with grace and mercy when he dealt with Saul. For you see, he wanted that same treatment from God as well as from others. He certainly would be in need of it in the future, and lo and behold, he did receive it. Friends, to think for one fleeing moment that you and I don't need the grace and mercy of God when dealing with those who have mistreated us is indeed foolish. Let's go out of our way by always going that extra mile and be gracious and merciful toward those who have wronged us. That's when we'll experience the full measure and meaning of God's forgiveness in our own life.