A Look at Forgiveness: David & Shimei

2 Samuel 16 – David’s life has reached its greatest low point. He has never been lower – ever.  While David fleeing for his life – a man named Shimei comes out – adding to his misery. Shimei – who was of the family of Saul, pours out the hate in his heart on a man who at his lowest ebb.  In 16:10-13 – David refuses to retaliate. How could he do that? Do we possess a forgiving spirit? It is one of the most difficult things to acquire.

I.  What do we most often do?

A.     We offer conditional forgiveness:

1.      I will forgive you…if… I will forgive you AS SOON AS…

2.      The other person must own up to their end of the problem first – and that determines how we will respond.

B.     We offer partial forgiveness.

1.      I’ll forgive you...but don’t expect me to forget…

C.    We offer delayed forgiveness.

1.      I’ll forgive you …just give me time.

D.    Most of us would rather sit on the judgment seat than the mercy seat.

1.      Unforgiveness has a dramatic; downward effect on entire life.

II. David demonstrates complete forgiveness.

A.     2 Samuel 19:16-23

B.     19:20 - Shimei – I have sinned. How many times have we been in his shoes?

C.    Back to David. He could have been indifferent.

1.      Indifference is certainly not forgiveness. Indifference is RAGE controlled.

D.    I think he kept his vertical focus clear.

1.      When someone offends you – take it to God.

E.     David was very much aware of his own failure.

III. Some sound advice to help us forgive.

A.     We must cultivate a thick layer of skin.

1.      A buffer that takes jolts that come our way.  See Js. 1:19

B.     Try to understand where the offender is coming from.

1.      Lk. 23:34 – putting ourselves in the other person’s shoes often helps us objectify their reaction.

2.      In 1 statement we realize how our Lord viewed His enemies.

C.    Recall times when you have needed forgiveness & then apply the same emotion. No one is above being human.

1.      Mt. 7:12 – just as we would wish to be forgiven & treated graciously – so we must treat others!

D.    Verbalize your forgiveness. Say it – don’t just think it.

1.      But yet our typical response is to do all the wrong things:

a)     Silent treatment; resentment; grudge; indifferent; revenge.

IV. Putting on forgiveness is a must for the Christian.

A.     Rom. 12:14-21; Eph. 4:31-32; Col. 3:12-13; 1 Pet. 3:8-9; Mt. 6:14-15

 

Conclusion:

A.     Put yourself in David’s shoes.  Could you have forgiven Shimei?

B.     Do you need to take advantage of God’s forgiveness?