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Slander


2Sam:16:5-14
2Sam:19:18-23

David continues to amaze me. The characters of a godly king are spewing out from him. It was Mephibosheth whom he showed kindness earlier. Today it is Shimei - a step further.
Shimei is found cursing the king and throwing stones at him. Others are angry so much so that they want to kill him. But David's comment filled my heart with tears - If the Lord has told him to curse me, who are you to stop him?
Will I be ever like that. And Shimei kept on doing the same thing as David and his men went on along the road. But David kept quiet.
Later when David comes back to Jerusalem after the death of Absalom, Shimei comes running to David seeking forgiveness. David not only keeps quiet as in previous time, but extends his hand of forgiveness saying, your life will be spared.

Oh! What a man? Truly reflecting Godly character. Jesus also kept quiet when He was accused falsely. And He went a step further. While on the cross while He was being persecuted, while He was crying out in pain, in dehydration, acute blood loss, loneliness and heavy with the weight of the sin of the entire world, He prays aloud for YOU and ME. Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. Overflowing with love and compassion and forgiveness, interceding for the very ones who tortures Him.
He was living out the very words He Himself spoke.
You have heard the law that says, 'Love your neighbour' and hate your enemy. But I say love your enemies. Pray for those who persecute you. In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. Matt:5:43-45.

How about you? If someone talks ill about you, how do you respond? Someone on the road, shouts at you for his mistake while driving. Someone at work, puts the blame on you, to cover up his wrong. Your neighbour keeps slandering you for reasons unknown. How would you respond? Retort back? Reply and make strong your statement? Shout back? Anger? Assertive? Or would you keep quiet? And bless him? Forgive him? Intercede for him? Seek forgiveness for his sake?
This is how we know we reflect Christ, when we do things which He did, in our circle of life.
May the Lord help us.
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