1 Samuel 25:21 (AMP)
Now David had said, Surely in vain have I protected all that this fellow has in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that belonged to him; and he has repaid me evil for good.
After Saul had threatened David’s life, David fled to the Desert of Maon with his six hundred men. They provided protection for Nabal’s shepherds and flocks while taking refuge in that area. When David heard of a feast in the house of Nabal, he sent ten of his men to ask for provision for having protected his shepherds and flocks. However, Nabal refused their request and insulted them. When the servants returned and told David all that Nabal had said, David decided he would take his revenge and kill Nabal and all his men. However, one of Nabal’s servants went to his wife, Abigail, and warned her of the harm determined against their master and all his household. Abigail then met David on his way, begged for his forgiveness and presented David and his men with the food and wine. When she intercedes and begs for mercy upon her husband, David realizes that he is putting himself in God’s place. He decided to leave vengeance to God, and God took care of the matter. The Bible says ten days after Nabal had refused to do good to David’s young men, the Lord smote him and he died and God gave his beautiful widow to David.
Ingratitude has become a dominant attitude in our society and is rooted in a spirit of entitlement. Too often we express in our actions and attitudes a spirit that is contrary to gratitude. As Christians, it must not be mentioned amongst us that we have paid evil for good. We must beware of ingratitude because it shuts us off from God’s blessing. Many people have despised the Hand of God in their lives and have missed the greatness that lies ahead. It is our duty and privilege as believers, to return goodness for goodness. It is written in Proverbs 17:13 “Whoever returns evil for good, Evil will not depart from his house.” Solomon warned, calamity will haunt the home and family of those who return evil for acts of grace and kindness. It is worse to repay evil for good, for that shows a vicious, barbaric and devilish heart . The consequences for such vile conduct are certain – God will severely judge with perpetual trouble. Many are all over the place sowing seeds of evil for good done to them. Many people Christians included, have enjoyed the grace and kindness of another, but return that gift with an act of wickedness and betrayal. There is a saying that “every time someone does something good for us, there is a debt created for our kindness in return.” Failing to pay good for good can put us at risk of God’s justice by our acts of betrayal, slander and lies.
Beloved, to repay evil for good is profanely selfish. Do not reward evil for good to those who have treated you kindly and well. Do not forget those who have gone out of their way to do you good. Confess your sin of ingratitude, unfaithfulness, wickedness and seek forgiveness, before you witness God’s chastisement on your home and family. Today, sow goodness and you will reap it in the future. Do not worry when men do you evil when you have sacrificed and do them good. Look up and appreciate God for what you have and for where you are! Do good to all even to those who have been wicked. Remember, whoever rewards evil for good, evil shall not depart from his or her house.
O Lord, give me grace and wisdom to do good at all times in Jesus’ Name.