Day 147

2 Samuel 19–20 | 1 Corinthians 6 | Psalm 62

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David is on his way back to the throne.

The rebellion is over. Absalom is dead. And the long, awkward return begins.

But as he crosses the Jordan, a familiar face shows up—Shimei. The same man who hurled curses, stones, and shame at David while he was on the run. Now he’s back… groveling.

“Let not my lord hold me guilty… I know that I have sinned.” (2 Samuel 19:19–20)

And David forgives him.

Just like that.

No payback.

No punishment.

No “I told you so.”

Just mercy.

Even Joab’s brother, Abishai, is stunned:

“Shall not Shimei be put to death for this?”

But David says no.

Because sometimes restoration is more important than revenge.

When It’s Not About Winning

That’s what Paul gets at in 1 Corinthians 6, too.

The believers in Corinth are suing each other—dragging church members into public court over personal grievances. And Paul doesn’t just tell them to stop. He says something that stings a little deeper:

“To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded?” (v. 7)

It sounds insane.

Let yourself be wronged?

Let them get away with it?

Let the wound stay open?

But Paul’s not advocating for passive abuse. He’s reframing what victory actually looks like in the kingdom of God.

Because sometimes the most Christlike thing you can do… is absorb the blow.

Not because it doesn’t matter.

But because you’ve already been justified by a higher court.

You’re not standing on your right to retaliate.

You’re standing on His righteousness already given to you.

And that changes everything.

I’ve Felt That Urge to Defend Myself

That part of the passage got to me today. Because I know how often I want to correct the narrative.

To clarify what I really meant.

To make sure people understand that I wasn’t the one at fault.

Sometimes I just want the last word.

Sometimes I just want to win the argument.

But the gospel calls me higher—and lower.

It reminds me that Jesus was wronged.

Mocked. Misquoted. Betrayed. Misunderstood.

And He didn’t defend Himself—because He was defending me.

He took the injustice so I could be justified.

And now He says: Trust Me with the rest.

What Psalm 62 Knows

That’s why Psalm 62 felt like a balm today.

“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.” (v. 5)

It doesn’t say “wait in control.”

Or “wait until you’ve explained yourself.”

It says wait in silence.

That’s the posture of someone who’s been wronged…

but knows who holds the scales.

Someone who doesn’t have to clap back or strike first.

Someone who believes justice may be delayed—but never denied.

“Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God, and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love.” (v. 11–12)

Power.

And love.

He sees it all.

And He’s not late.

So What Do We Do?

Maybe you’re in a conflict right now.

Maybe you’ve been accused, ignored, dismissed, or misrepresented.

And maybe it would feel really good to set the record straight.

But today’s reminder is this:

You don’t have to win to be okay.

You don’t have to retaliate to be right.

You don’t have to fight to be free.

Because you belong to the One who was wronged for your sake.

And if you’re already vindicated in heaven’s courtroom, you can walk quietly through this one.

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Lord, I hate being misunderstood. I hate feeling wronged. But You know that. You see every motive. Every moment. Every wound. And You didn’t just suffer wrong—you chose it. For me. So teach me to rest in that. Keep me from fighting battles that don’t need to be fought. Give me the strength to absorb the blow and trust You with the verdict. Let me lead not with power, but with peace. Not with scorekeeping, but with grace. And let the Cross be the only defense I ever need. Amen.