“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them…” Mt 7:12

Forgiveness doesn’t excuse another’s behavior; Forgiveness prevents their behavior from damaging your own heart.

David found himself, while already in betrayal by Absalom his own son, caught again in betrayal by either Mephibosheth (Saul’s grandson) or Ziba (Saul’s servant). 2 Sam 16; 19

But David’s reaction shows he’s come a long, long way since the glory days of ten chapters ago -  he’s better and wiser, and recognizing that this is partly his fault.

In one of his more Christ-like moments, David at the end of his civil war with Absalom takes upon himself all the sorrows of his people, and all their guilt as well, and discharges the conflict in himself.  He is the peacemaker now, at his own expense. He’s now a covenant mediator.

One who doesn’t know the value of loyalty can never appreciate the cost of loyalty.

And sadly, betrayal never comes from your enemies.

The knives of betrayal cut deep and hurt… but they also trim away the nonsense and reveals the most valuable truth of all.

When you’ve been cast out alone into a sea of betrayal, there is only One who is able to be out on the water with you.

David’s story shows us that betrayal brings forth either bitterment or betterment?

But before we choose our course against those who betrayed us remember it was our own betrayal that put Christ on the Cross and yet He isn’t bitter with us, only the better!

Before bitterness sets in, remember Jesus couldn’t get to the cross without Judas’s betrayal!

HSAY… Todd