Grace outside the box

Mephibosheth ate at David’s table like one of the king’s sons.

— 2 Samuel 9:11 Tom worked for a law firm that advised Bob’s company. They became friends — until Tom embezzled thousands of dollars from the company. Bob was hurt and angry when he found out, but he received wise counsel from his vice president, a believer in Christ. The VP noticed Tom was deeply ashamed and repentant, and he advised Bob to drop the charges and hire Tom. “Pay him a modest salary so he can make restitution. You’ll never have a more grateful, loyal employee.” Bob did, and Tom was.

Mephibosheth, grandson of King Saul, hadn’t done anything wrong, but he was in a tough spot when David became king. Most kings killed the royal bloodline. But David loved King Saul’s son Jonathan, and treated his surviving son as his own (see 2 Samuel 9:1-13). His grace won a friend for life. Mephibosheth marveled that he “deserved nothing but death from my lord the king, but you gave your servant a place” (19:28). He remained loyal to David, even when David’s son Absalom chased David from Jerusalem (2 Samuel 16:1-4; 19:24-30).

Do you want a loyal friend for life? Someone so extraordinary may require you to do something extraordinary. When common sense says punish, choose grace. Hold them accountable, but give the undeserving a chance to make things right. You may never find a more grateful, devoted friend. Think outside the box, with grace. — Mike Wittmer

Who has sinned against you? How might you hold them accountable while also forgiving them?

READ: 2 Samuel 9:1-7 Father, I’ve received extraordinary grace from You. Help me show that grace to others — especially to those with a repentant spirit.

Bible in a Year: Psalms 49-50 and Romans 1

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