Let's be honest - most of us have fantasized at least once about getting even with an enemy or someone who has done us wrong. We might go over the details in our mind many times and get some sort of satisfaction. David was presented with an opportunity to kill the man who was determined to kill him - Saul. David had come upon Saul in a compromising and vulnerable position and he had his chance for revenge. But he didn't! He cut a corner from Saul's cloak and then showed it to him the next day, thereby proving that he did not mean any harm to Saul. Saul was deeply moved. When we are presented with a chance to 'get even' with a word or action, we can do so much good to everyone (including ourselves) by responding with kindness and forgiveness.

Jesus personally selected twelve men to be in his inner circle as apostles. And what a twelve! There were rough men, some with shady backgrounds, and there was even a traitor in their midst. All of them would misunderstand the words of Jesus and test his patience. And in his hour of need, they would all abandon Jesus. Could he not have chosen better men? Perhaps - but their ordinary and flawed nature is part of his message. He chooses very ordinary people - like you and me - and does extraordinary things with them. Let no one claim that they are unable or unworthy - that is for the Lord to decide.