Reconciliation

“And there went over a ferry boat to carry over the king's household, and to do what he thought good. And Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king, as he was come over Jordan; And said unto the king, Let not my lord impute iniquity unto me, neither do thou remember that which thy servant did perversely the day that my lord the king went out of Jerusalem, that the king should take it to his heart. For thy servant doth know that I have sinned: therefore, behold, I am come the first this day of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king.” – 2 Samuel 19v18-20

There is more to David’s decision to not respond to Shimei then what we first read. Later, after the death of David’s son Shimei made his way back to David. Shimei remembered that David had not responded to his taunts and cursings. David had decided to let God sort out the situation and not take things into his own hands.

Now Shimei fell down and honoured King David. He acknowledged his sin and his offence. Because of David’s response he had gained an ally who might have been an enemy.

Lets learn from David’s example. If he had killed Shimei he would have lost this opportunity to make an ally. Who knows what the future may hold for those whom we choose to forgive?