1 Samuel 25:21 (KJV)
Now David had said, Surely in vain have I kept all that this fellow hath in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that pertained unto him: and he hath requited me evil for good.
After Saul had threatened David’s life, David and his six hundred men sought refuge in the Desert of Maon. While there, they provided protection for Nabal’s shepherds and flocks. Upon hearing of a feast in Nabal’s house, David dispatched ten of his men to ask for provisions as a gesture of gratitude for their services. However, consistent with his foolish character, Nabal refused to share any of his food with David’s men despite receiving their protection from the Philistines and also insulted them. Furious at this treatment, David determined to take revenge by attacking Nabal and his men. However, one of Nabal’s servants warned his wife, Abigail, of the impending danger. Abigail promptly intervened, approaching David with gifts and a plea for forgiveness. She convinced David to refrain from seeking vengeance and reminded him that it was not his place to take matters into his own hands. David heeded her counsel and left the matter in God’s hands. Ten days after Nabal refused to aid David’s men, the Lord struck Nabal, resulting in his death. Subsequently, God granted Nabal’s widow, Abigail, to David.
In our society, ingratitude has unfortunately become a prevailing attitude rooted in entitlement. Too often, we observe actions and attitudes that reflect a lack of gratitude. As Christians, it is crucial to firmly reject the notion of repaying kindness with malice. Ingratitude can act as a barrier to receiving God’s blessings. Many individuals have failed to recognize the divine interventions in their lives, consequently missing out on future greatness. As believers, it is our duty and esteemed privilege to reciprocate goodness with goodness consistently. It is written in Proverbs 17:13 “Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.” Solomon cautioned that those who retaliate with evil after receiving acts of kindness and grace will bring calamity upon their homes and families. Repaying good with evil is considered even worse as it demonstrates a vicious, barbaric, and devilish nature. The consequences for such vile behavior are inevitable – divine judgment will bring enduring adversity. Many individuals, including Christians, are ungrateful for the kindness and grace they receive, responding with acts of wickedness and treachery. It is believed that every act of kindness creates a debt, and failing to reciprocate kindness puts us at risk of divine justice through 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. Never forget to demonstrate hospitality to strangers, as some have unknowingly entertained angels. Learn to forgive and let God avenge on your behalf, for vengeance is the Lord’s. Embrace sacrificing your needs for the needs of others and become a driving force for reconciliation among those in conflict. Confess your sin of ingratitude, unfaithfulness, and 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 good to all, even to those who have been wicked. 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 where you are! Give thanks for God’s mercy and grace out of gratitude, and make your life a living sacrifice for Christ. 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.