The Heart That Forgives
*"It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not."*
*Lamentations 3:22 (KJV)*
*David was a man of war, but more than that he was a man after God's own heart. Though anointed as king, David faced mockery, betrayal, and dishonor from those around him. Shimei cursed him bitterly as he fled Jerusalem (2 Samuel 16:5–13), yet David restrained his men, saying:*
* "Let him curse, because the Lord hath said unto him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so?"
*2 Samuel 16:10 (KJV)*
*Even when he had every reason to retaliate, David chose mercy over vengeance, compassion over anger. When he returned as king, Shimei bowed before him in repentance. David's response?*
* "Thou shalt not die." And the king sware unto him.*
*2 Samuel 19:23 (KJV)*
*David understood that unforgiveness imprisons the soul, while mercy frees both the offender and the offended. He forgave without keeping records of past wrongs, reflecting God's own nature:*
* "He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities."
*Psalm 103:10 (KJV)*
*Beloved, before you sleep tonight, let your heart be free of bitterness.* *Let go of the offenses of today and yesterday. To forgive is not to excuse, but to release yourself from the weight of pain.* *As David did, entrust every injustice into God's hands, and you will sleep in peace.*
* "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety."
*Psalm 4:8 (KJV)*
*Release it. Forgive them. Rest.*
*Goodnight,*
*AAJ ✨*