Lessons On Living

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From David
Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:8 1 Samuel 13:14 1 John 1:9 1 Samuel 16:7

Looking on the Heart

1 Samuel 16:7

But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

Looking on the Heart

Outward appearances can be deceiving. An airline captain who flew international routes also ran a small filling station near his home. Between trips abroad, he got a kick out of changing tires and pumping gas. One morning, dressed in his greasy overalls, he walked down to the local hardware store to pick up a new wrench. "What's new?" the store owner asked. "Oh, I'm thinking of taking the Cairo run this month," the captain said. "I enjoy flying to London and Frankfurt, but I think the change of pace will do me good." He paid for the wrench and left. Another customer asked, "Who's the world traveler?" Rolling his eyes, the store owner said, "Some nut who runs the gas station down the street. Thinks he's an airline pilot!" Both men got a good laugh.

The prophet Samuel also learned that outward appearances don't necessarily make the man. David's brothers, who were first interviewed for the job of future king of Israel, were all kingly looking. God, however, knew their hearts were not right and rejected them. It was not until David was brought before Samuel that God found a man "after His own heart" (1 Sam. 13:14).

The most important responsibility Christians have is keeping their heart right with God. Physical exercise profits a little (1 Tim. 4:8), and there is certainly nothing wrong with looking clean and neat, but the real test in God's sight is our heart. No matter how "together" we might appear, if our heart is not pure before the Lord, He can't use us to accomplish His will.

Are you taking good care of your heart? If it has become spiritually out of shape, apply the 1 John 1:9 principle. Make sure that when God looks at your heart, He likes what He sees.

It's the internal, not the external, that affects the eternal.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From David
Scripture: Psalm 27:10 Matthew 19:30 1 Samuel 16:11

Last but Not Least

1 Samuel 16:11

And Samuel said to Jesse, "Are all the young men here?" Then he said, "There remains yet the youngest, and there he is, keeping the sheep." And Samuel said to Jesse, "Send and bring him. For we will not sit down till he comes here."

Last but Not Least

A friend once told me that the moment he dreaded most in high school was when his classmates in PE chose sides for a team. Being the non-athletic type, he consistently was chosen last. The rest of the school day was usually clouded by the realization that in athletics, at least, he was viewed as the LVP (least valuable player).

Perhaps David felt the same way. While all his brothers were given responsibilities at home and their father's attention, David was sent off to the lonely task of herding sheep on the Judean hillside. He probably was speaking from personal experience when he said, "When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take care of me" (Ps. 27:10). Yet the one whom others saw as a person of last resort, God considered a person of first choice. Even though David's father deemed him worthy only of leading sheep, God saw him as the future leader of Israel.

How the world sees us is of little importance; of utmost importance is how God sees us. Heaven will be filled with those whom others considered to be of little value but whom God knew to be of supreme importance. What is hidden now will someday be revealed - if not on earth, then certainly in heaven. Many who humbly stood in last place in life will find themselves in that day at the head of the line (Matt. 19:30).

Don't be discouraged if those around you do not hold you in high esteem. Little can they know the plans God has for you. You may be last in their sight, but you are not least in God's sight.

Those whom man puts last God often puts first.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From David
Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:13 Ephesians 5:18

A Filling, Not a Flash

1 Samuel 16:13

Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel arose and went to Ramah.

A Filling, Not a Flash

In the days of electric trolley cars, it was common for the small wheel to jump off the power-charged wire overhead. When that happened, the connection was broken and the power was gone. Sometimes in the motorman's efforts to get the wheel back on the power cable, he would make a false contact. There would be a flash of fire, but still the car was motionless. When the proper contact with the power line was made, however, the flashing stopped and the trolley would move forward with its load of passengers.

God knew that David would need more than just a flash of power. If this young man was to be the leader he needed to be, he required a steady contact with God through the Holy Spirit. To symbolize that experience, Samuel anointed David with oil and the Spirit came upon him "from that day forward." All that David accomplished of an eternal nature could be traced to this ongoing guidance from God's Spirit. It was not a momentary occurrence; it was a lifetime experience.

Christians have many "spiritual flashes." It may be the exhilarating experience of a weekend retreat. Perhaps God gives an overwhelming sense of His presence in the midst of a worship service. These are wonderful encounters, but they are not meant to replace continual, daily contact with God's Spirit. Be constantly filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:18). His steady influence is what you need to move forward on your Christian journey.

Don't be satisfied with an occasional flash of emotion. Let the Holy Spirit take control of your life and experience His power on a daily basis. Confess your sins and keep in contact with Him. A flash can never replace a filling.

Steady contact makes for steady progress.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From David
Scripture: 1 Samuel 18:7 1 Samuel 16:18

Are You Lacking?

1 Samuel 16:18

Then one of the servants answered and said, "Look, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a mighty man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a handsome person; and the Lord is with him."

Are You Lacking?

Dr. John Broadus, a distinguished professor and gifted preacher, was asked by a student to write in his autograph book. The young man was known as an outstanding scholar, but Dr. Broadus knew he was not a Christian. So the professor wrote in his book three Greek words that meant, "One thing thou lackest." Years later Dr. Broadus received a letter from an eminent medical doctor in Texas. In the letter the physician said that he had never been able to forget those words in his book and that now he had the one thing he formerly lacked. He had Christ.

David was a very gifted man as well. He was a talented musician whose psalms are still set to music today. He was a valiant warrior. The women of Israel sang, "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands" (1 Sam. 18:7). He was a wise counselor and a handsome person. But more important than all these was this fact: the Lord was with him. All David's giftedness would have been for nothing had he lacked that one essential element - God's presence.

People often look at others and admire them for their various abilities. They may wish they could play an instrument like their favorite musician, or that they could be as intellectually astute as their college professor. Rarely, however, do we ask ourselves, Does this person have God's presence in his or her life? Would we really want to trade places with even the most talented person if he didn't know the Lord?

If you feel left out in the giftedness department, remember that you can have the most important gift of all - Christ's presence in your life. There are no auditions, no IQ tests, no talent contests required. All you need is an open heart to receive the Savior. Do it today.

If you have only one gift, let it be Christ's presence.

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[nChrist]

Title: Faithful in Small Things
Book: Lessons on Living From David
Author: Woodrow Kroll


1 Samuel 17:14-15

David was the youngest. And the three oldest followed Saul. But David occasionally went and returned from Saul to feed his father’s sheep at Bethlehem.

Faithful in Small Things

Little things can make a big difference. In the 1968 Winter Olympics, Frenchman Jean-Claude Killy made a sweep of the men’s Alpine events, but it was nip and tuck. He won the downhill by 8/100ths of a second, the slalom by 9/100ths. By comparison, the giant slalom was a rout, with Killy coming in more than two seconds ahead of Swiss silver medalist Willy Favre. Small as they seem, those seconds, even fractions of a second, made the difference between winning and losing.

David also knew the importance of small things. The war between the armies of Saul and the Philistines must have been very exciting for a young boy. The fortunes of David’s family and the whole nation of Israel hung in the balance. Yet in the midst of such monumental battles, David didn’t forget about his father’s sheep back in Bethlehem. He never failed to leave the allurement of the battlefield when necessary and tend to what others might consider insignificant responsibilities like feeding sheep. He knew these tasks were as needful as the more glamorous duties.

It’s easy for Christians to respond to the attraction of exciting ministries. Involvement in mass evangelistic rallies is thrilling. Being part of a stadium filled with people enthused about Jesus Christ is exhilarating. These things make the chore of teaching a class of three-year-olds or photocopying the Sunday worship folder seem so small and insignificant by comparison. Yet we need to remember that our faithfulness to these apparently small tasks is necessary as well.

If you struggle under the load of what appear to be insignificant responsibilities, realize that God doesn’t rate the size of the task, only the faithfulness of those He calls to complete it. Be faithful to the duty and don’t worry about the dimensions.

Being faithful in small things is no small thing.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From David
Scripture: Romans 8:16-19 1 Samuel 17:26

Standing Up for God

1 Samuel 17:26

Then David spoke to the men who stood by him, saying, "What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?"

Standing Up for God

When my son, Tim, was about 14 years old, we were visiting my mother and father in western Pennsylvania. My father was outside on a ladder washing an upstairs window. Tim opened the window, stuck his head out and said, "Whatcha doin', old man?" If there's one thing you never said to my father, you never called him "old man." He thought that was disrespectful. So what did he do? My father turned the hose on Tim! My son never forgot that lesson.

David felt the same way about the challenge issued by Goliath. The nine-foot-tall champion of the Philistines was not just making Saul's armies look cowardly for refusing to respond to his harassment; Goliath was showing disrespect toward the living God. When the Philistines taunted the armies of Israel, they were mocking the God of Israel as well. By throwing insults at Israel, they were implying that God was also weak and ineffectual. This was something David couldn't tolerate.

Our own honor is insignificant. When people do not show us the respect that perhaps they should, it matters little. God ultimately will make up for such oversights (Rom. 8:16-19). But when God's character is called into question, that's a different issue. When God is ridiculed or belittled, it is the duty of every Christian to object, whether we do so privately or publicly. We should never ignore those who dishonor God.

Do not be afraid to defend God's honor. God will sustain you if you are willing to take a stand for Him. Whether it is in the workplace, in the university classroom or in a social setting, let others know that God deserves their respect.

Honor God and He will honor you.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From David
Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:38-39

Be Yourself

1 Samuel 17:38-39

So Saul clothed David with his armor, and he put a bronze helmet on his head; he also clothed him with a coat of mail. And David fastened his sword to his armor, and he tried to walk, for he had not tested them. And David said to Saul, "I cannot walk with these, for I have not tested them." So David took them off.

Be Yourself

Students at Morningside High School knew Mr. Sullivan as a strict English teacher who would kick them out of class for talking. But on August 6, 1997, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office kicked Mr. Sullivan out of class. It was discovered that Mr. Sullivan was really Willie Clifton Wright, who was charged with numerous felonies for stealing the identity of a teacher at another Los Angeles-area school. The imposter was uncovered when the real Robert Sullivan retired. For the past ten years, Willie Wright had been posing as someone he really wasn't.

With the best of intentions, Saul also tried to turn David into someone he really wasn't. The young shepherd was clothed in a suit of Saul's armor and given the king's sword. But at this point in his life, this wasn't who David was. He wasn't a warrior; he was a shepherd. He wasn't accustomed to heavy armor and swords; his battles were fought with a slingshot and stones. Wisely, David refused to pretend to be someone he wasn't.

In the Christian faith, there are many outstanding examples of men and women who lived their lives gloriously for God. Hudson Taylor adopted the dress and culture of the Chinese among whom he ministered. D. L. Moody never closed a service without extending an invitation for salvation. Amy Carmichael rescued thousands of young girls from serving as temple prostitutes in India. But keep in mind, they are not you and you are not them.

Admire those whom God has used, but let Him show you how He wants to use the unique combination of gifts and talents He's given you. Be yourself, and let Him make the best you that you can be.

The best person to be is yourself.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From David
Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:47

The Lord's Battle

1 Samuel 17:47

"Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord's, and He will give you into our hands."

The Lord's Battle

When King George VI gave his Christmas address to the British people in 1939, World War II had just begun. The German armies had conquered northern Europe and a long war lay ahead. In his speech the king quoted these words from a book by M. Louise Haskins: "And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year, "Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown." And he replied, "Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way."

As David faced the prospect of confronting a seasoned warrior nearly twice his size and vastly more experienced in battle, he also knew where to place his faith - not in the security of swords and spears but in the power of God. David knew that his skill would not save the day. Instead, the Lord would be the deciding factor. It was His battle.

Life is filled with giants that are bigger than we. Seemingly insurmountable obstacles can dog our every step. But when faced with overwhelming odds, it's comforting to know that the outcome doesn't depend on us. Of course, we must be obedient and do our part. Whatever skills or gifts that God has given us must be used. But having put forth our best efforts, we can be assured that God will be the One who ultimately determines the battle's outcome.

Rest in the knowledge that the battle is the Lord's. He is the One who gives the victory.

The Lord's battle is our victory.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From David
Scripture: Proverbs 18:24 1 Samuel 18:3

A Covenant Friendship

1 Samuel 18:3

Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.

A Covenant Friendship

Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary defines a covenant as a "formal, solemn, and binding agreement" and an "agreement or promise usually under seal between two or more parties especially for the performance of some action." A covenant turns something ordinary into something very special. It is not an act that should be taken lightly.

A covenant relationship existed between Jonathan and David because Jonathan "loved him as his own soul." The word translated "loved" in the original language means "to have an affection for." This was not a sexual relationship, as some misguided people erroneously claim. Instead, it was a friendship rooted in a deep admiration for each other and sealed with a solemn agreement. According to this covenant, no matter what happened David and Jonathan would remain friends. Their relationship was a loyal commitment to look out for each other's welfare.

Today, friendship is approached with a very casual attitude. Friendships are made and broken as the need arises. They are no more substantial than the fizz from a can of pop. It's no wonder that leading psychologists and therapists estimate that only 10 percent of men in the United States have any real friends. It's a shame that we struggle with issues of loneliness while all along God's Word sets forth examples of committed friends like David and Jonathan.

While it's not possible to have a covenant relationship with every friend, ask God to show you a friend who could be more than a casual acquaintance. And remember, if you want to have a friend, you need to be a friend (Prov. 18:24). Establish a covenant friendship in which you commit to look out for each other's welfare.

No person is more alone than he who is without a friend.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From David
Scripture: 1 Samuel 18:17-19 Proverbs 16:18 1 Samuel 18:22-33

True Humility

1 Samuel 18:22-23

And Saul commanded his servants, "Communicate with David secretly, and say, "Look, the king has delight in you, and all his servants love you. Now therefore, become the king's son-in-law." So Saul's servants spoke those words in the hearing of David. And David said, "Does it seem to you a light thing to be a king's son-in-law, seeing I am a poor and lightly esteemed man?"

True Humility

Sammy Morris was a devoted Christian from Africa who came to America to go to college. Although his pathway to service for Christ was not easy, his difficulties never deterred him. Perhaps this was because he had learned genuine humility. When Sammy arrived at a Christian college in the United States, the school's president asked him what room he wanted. The African believer replied, "If there is a room nobody wants, give it to me." How many other Christians would show such a humble spirit?

David felt this way about his relationship to King Saul. Saul had promised him his daughter Merab, but the king went back on his commitment and gave her to Adriel the Meholathite (1 Sam. 18:17-19). Yet instead of becoming angry, David professed his unworthiness to be the son-in-law of the king. Then he was promised Michal, another of Saul's daughters, and the king's servants urged him to accept this offer. But again, David did not manipulate circumstances for his own gain. He humbly questioned his suitability to join the king's family. David refused to promote himself by marrying the king's daughter. He was content to let God honor him, if He so chose.

Christians sometimes view their relationship with a person or an organization as an opportunity for their own advancement. They look for ways to turn their circumstances to their advantage. To them, people are stepping-stones to personal glory. This leads to pride, and pride leads to destruction (Prov. 16:18).

Take care that you do not use others for your own advancement. Be willing to wait and let God provide success in His time and His way. You'll be glad you did.

Pride drives us to advance ourselves; humility bids us to wait.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From David
Scripture: 1 Samuel 20:3 Psalm 34:6-7 1 Samuel 18:6-8

Living on the Edge

1 Samuel 20:3

Then David took an oath again, and said, "Your father certainly knows that I have found favor in your eyes, and he says, "Do not let Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved." But truly, as the Lord lives and as your soul lives, there is but a step between me and death."

Living on the Edge

Some people live on the edge because they choose to. They bungee jump, sky dive and engage in other extreme sports just for the thrill of it. Others live on the edge not by choice, but because circumstances have placed them in dangerous places.

David fell into this latter category. He had sought to serve Saul faithfully and defend his country and his king with passion. But his success in these efforts only managed to arouse the king's jealousy. When women came out of the cities singing David's praises (1 Sam. 18:6-8), Saul became enraged and began to plot to do away with the young man he now viewed as a threat to his throne. David soon found himself only one step ahead of a king who was trying to kill him. But in the midst of these circumstances, David knew that God was with him and would preserve him (Ps. 34:6).

Many Christians today also live on the edge. They live in countries where the penalty for being a Christian is death. They live in nations where famine is claiming the lives of thousands. They live in drug-infested neighborhoods where drive-by shootings and gang killings are commonplace. Yet they also can claim God's presence and protection (Ps. 34:7).

Perhaps you live on the edge. Though your life is not in danger, you may be living on the edge in terms of your job, your family or your marriage. Perhaps you feel that at any moment one or more of these could fall apart and leave you helpless. Put your trust in the God of David. Let Him provide what you need to move away from the edge.

Christ can take the edge out of living.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From David
Scripture: 1 Samuel 22:1-2

Company of the Unfit

1 Samuel 22:1-2

David therefore departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam. And when his brothers and all his father's house heard it, they went down there to him. And everyone who was in distress, everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him. So he became captain over them. And there were about four hundred men with him.

Company of the Unfit

When Gen. George Washington gathered his armies to fight against the redcoats, they came from every conceivable walk of life. Some were frontiersmen, while others were merchants, farmers and even slaves. But the overwhelming majority had one thing in common: they were not trained soldiers. Most of them had shot nothing bigger than wild game. Yet in spite of that glaring deficiency, they took on the disciplined regiments of British regulars, and after a seven-year struggle they won.

David's army also was a ragtag band of misfits. Those who were in trouble, in debt or simply discontented were drawn to him. A more motley group of outcasts would be hard to find - hardly a fit army for a would-be king. Yet despite their many shortcomings, God used them ultimately to bring David to the throne.

God delights in accomplishing His will through those the world considers unfit. He always has been attracted to people who will make themselves available and let Him do the rest. He took a schemer like Jacob and made him the father of Israel. He took an escaped fugitive like Moses and made him a fearless liberator. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that He was able to take a group of unlikely malcontents and debtors and use them to establish a shepherd boy like David as king over Israel. Imagine what He can do with you and me.

Are you ill-equipped for the task that God has called you to? Then rejoice, because that means you have the primary qualification God is looking for. If you are willing to be used, God will do the rest.

God can make the unfit fit for His plans.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From David
Scripture: Psalm 91:1-2 1 Samuel 22:21-23

Safe Refuge

1 Samuel 22:21-23

And Abiathar told David that Saul had killed the Lord's priests. So David said to Abiathar, "I knew that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul. I have caused the death of all the persons of your father's house. Stay with me; do not fear. For he who seeks my life seeks your life, but with me you shall be safe."

Safe Refuge

In 1939 the Nazis began their program of Jewish extermination in Poland. In the midst of the destruction, Oskar Schindler, a most unlikely hero, opened his Emalia factory in Krakow, which produced enamel goods and munitions to supply the German front. As the Nazis began in earnest the removal of Jews to death camps, Schindler was able to rescue 1,300 Jewish men and women to work in his factory. By designating their skills as "essential" and paying off the local authorities, Schindler provided a haven that kept these refugees alive through the Holocaust.

David provided this kind of refuge for Abiathar, son of the high priest Ahimelech. After Saul discovered that the priests of the city of Nob had given assistance to David, he killed not only them but also all the men, women, children and even the animals of the city. Abiathar himself would have been killed if Saul could have found him. In return for his father's kindness, David offered Abiathar a place of refuge. With David and his army, Abiathar found safety.

Satan's purpose for the human race includes the destruction of every living being, regardless of their age or gender. Only those who find a place of refuge can hope to survive. Like Schindler, like David, God provides such a place (Ps. 91:1-2). It's in His Son, Jesus Christ. When we receive Him as our Savior, we are safe from the ravages of the evil one.

Are you safe in Christ? If so, give thanks to Him who provides such a refuge from the destruction brought by Satan. If not, trust Christ Jesus today and become secure in Him forever. In the midst of destruction, Jesus is a place of safety.

There is safety only in Jesus.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From David
Scripture: 1 Samuel 24:6-7

The Lord's Anointed

1 Samuel 24:6-7

And he said to his men, "The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the Lord's anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord." So David restrained his servants with these words, and did not allow them to rise against Saul. And Saul got up from the cave and went on his way.

The Lord's Anointed

Many motorists have had at least one encounter with the people whom truckers call "smokies." Their official name is the highway patrol. And when the red and blue lights on top of their car begin to flash, you know you had better pull over. Whether you have any personal affection for the person behind the badge or not, you still have to respect his position. He has been given the authority to enforce the rules of the road, and your feelings have nothing to say about it.

David had the same attitude toward Saul. It must have been difficult to muster any feeling of devotion for a man who was trying to kill him. Furthermore, the king's motives and actions were often irrational. Still, Saul had not been removed from his position as the king of Israel. As a result, David had to treat Saul with honor as God's anointed leader even though he could not approve of his actions. The position deserved respect whether or not the man did.

As we interact with pastors and other Christian leaders, there will be some with whom we might disagree theologically. Others may have methods that we think are inappropriate. Yet because they are individuals called to serve the Lord in a special way, we must respect their position even when we disagree with them personally.

If you are struggling to respect your pastor or another Christian leader, remember their position. You don't have to agree with them, but you do have to treat them with the consideration due their calling.

If you can't respect the person, respect the position.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From David
Scripture: Romans 5:8 1 Samuel 24:17-18

Giving Good for Evil

1 Samuel 24:17-18

Then [Saul] said to David: "You are more righteous than I; for you have rewarded me with good, whereas I have rewarded you with evil. And you have shown this day how you have dealt well with me; for when the Lord delivered me into your hand, you did not kill me."

Giving Good for Evil

A gentleman who had held many important positions in public life went to a friend in great anger over a real injury he had received from a prominent politician. He was considering how to react resentfully in the most effective manner. After relating the particulars to his friend, he asked if it would be manly to resent it. "Yes," replied his friend, "it would doubtless be manly to resent it, but it would be godlike to forget it."

David chose to let God be his example. When Saul entered a cave to attend to his needs, he didn't know that David and his 400 men were hiding in the recesses of that cavern. David had him at a severe disadvantage and his men urged him to seize the opportunity to take revenge on his enemy. But David refused. Rather than seeking to repay Saul for the evil he had done him, he secretly cut off a piece of Saul's robe (as proof of what he could have done) and allowed the king to leave without knowing how close he had been to death. Only later did Saul realize the mercy David had shown.

God's way is to show mercy rather than extract vengeance. Romans 5:8 says, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Even while we were God's enemies, He had compassion for us and provided a way of salvation.

Are you thinking about getting even with someone? Don't do it. Try God's way instead. Return good for evil. Someday you'll be glad you did.

Evil for evil is man's way; good for evil is God's way.

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