Individuals and churches may differ in convictions or practice but there is one common thread that binds us; the power of Christ in what we believe and how we live. This day, let us invite more to accept Christ and receive grace. This blessing is like a flowing stream that always flows in one direction to bring people together and heal a whole nation.

In 2 Samuel 10, David demonstrates grace in his generous move to send a delegation to express sympathy concerning the death of the king of the Ammonites. Unfortunately, this caused suspicion among the Ammonite commanders. They thought the delegation was sent to spy on them in preparation for war so they humiliated them by cutting half their beards and the lower part of their clothing off.

Sometimes we may say things or offer help but people take it in the wrong way. They can respond in many ways that humiliate us in front of others. If this happens, the best response is to patiently trust God for the outcome.

That’s what we see in the type of leadership demonstrated by Joab in today’s passage. This type of leadership lets annoyances wear off and patiently works out a strategy to settle the score in a winning way by trusting that God will make all wrongs right.

Let us follow this example and seek ways to put unjust acts or criticisms aside so vengeance does not produce negative consequences. The first step is prayer.

Lord, there is victory with grace. It wins all the time. We can have poise when annoyed. We pray for discipline in setting unjust acts or criticisms aside so that what annoys us wears off. Before vengeance produces negative consequences, give us a strategy to settle the score in a winning way today. Amen.