It’s hard to be the bigger person. It takes strength and humility and often the other person does not deserve our forgiveness, mercy, or kindness. But we aren’t doing it for them. We are doing it because that’s what’s right and because it’s not our job to make people pay for their sins. God knows who’s right and wrong, and also when to show mercy and when to punish. So, we just need to do what’s right and let God be the Judge and Executioner. He will punish those who need to be punished and avenge those who need avenging.

Sometimes we hold on to things so tightly that we forget who gave them to us and why. When we hold on too tightly, we risk losing everything. We must learn to give up control and entrust our lives to the One who gave them to us. Only then will we feel truly free and only then will we be free to enjoy all the gifts God has given to us. When we refuse to give up control, sometimes we end up losing the very things we fear losing the most. Our life is not our own. Everything we have is given to us by God.

It can be hard to choose justice over the person we love. But Saul’s children chose David over their father because David was innocent and their father was the one in the wrong. Even though they knew their dad would be upset, they had to choose what was right. They both loved David, and they couldn’t let him get killed because they weren’t courageous enough to stand against their father’s jealous hatred.

Sometimes we know what we should do, but we let our emotions get the better of us, and we sin. We may be able to control ourselves for a while. But willpower alone probably won’t be enough to keep you from sinning. We cant’ just tell ourselves not to feel a certain way or do a certain thing. We have to replace sinful, human things with righteous, godly things, or we will be left empty, and eventually the sinful desire will return.

If God is for you, then no one can stand against you. But if He is against you, then you are fighting a losing battle. God was for David and He made him successful in everything he did. But when Saul grew jealous and tried to destroy David, God went against Saul and wouldn't let any of his schemes succeed. We want God on our side. But the only way to ensure that is to be on His side. We must align ourselves with Him. Then, He will be our greatest ally. But if we go against Him or His people then He will be against us.

David fought the giant, Goliath, in God's name and power and was victorious. He was the only one offended enough to fight for God. He also was the only one with enough courage and faith.
What made him more offended, courageous, and trusting than everyone else and how can we be a champion like him, with the same courage and faith, standing up for God and His ways?

With God's Spirit comes power. In the Old Testament, His power enabled them for their calling. Today, when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we also receive the Holy Spirit's power. He seals us for salvation as children of God and heirs in heaven. But He also enables us to do all He's called us to do by using our innate characteristics for His glory and by giving us unique ability to do things for Him that we wouldn't otherwise be able to do. Let God use you today for His purposes.

We look at outward things, but God looks at the heart. Looks can be deceiving, but our hearts reveal who we really are. We may be able to fool people for a while, but eventually we will show our true colors. But God is never fooled. He knows our thoughts, feelings, and even our intentions. So, we need to focus on our hearts more than anything else. If our hearts look good, then we will also be attractive on the outside.

Sometimes we decide what we think God wants from us and He says, “I do not want or need that. Without love, obedience, faith, and true worship your offerings mean nothing.” God wants our hearts. He wants to be our Lord. Nothing tangible is acceptable.

Some people think they can work hard enough to get what they want or even to please God. Others rely on their dedication. The one with all the heart is the one who succeeds in the end, right? There are people who believe in superstitions, horoscopes, and tradition. But only those who place their faith in God will prevail in the end. So, choose to cooperate with Him and He will work through you to achieve His good and perfect will.