What lessons on forgiveness can we learn from Absalom's actions in 2 Samuel 13? Setting the Scene • Amnon violated Tamar (2 Samuel 13:1-14). • “When King David heard about all this, he was furious” (v. 21), yet he took no action. • Absalom seethed in silence for two years (v. 22). • At sheep-shearing time he devised a plan: “Then Absalom said, ‘If not, please let my brother Amnon go with us.’ … The king replied, ‘Why should he go with you?’” (v. 26). • Absalom’s hospitality was a disguise; his servants killed Amnon (v. 28-29). Absalom’s Heart: A Case Study in Unforgiveness 1. Hidden resentment—two years of silence (v. 22-23). 2. Calculated revenge—carefully staged invitation (v. 26). 3. Violent outcome—murder portrayed as justice (v. 28-29). Lessons for Our Hearts Unforgiveness Starts Small but Grows Roots • “Do not let the sun set upon your anger, and do not give the devil a foothold” (Ephesians 4:26-27). • Absalom’s outward calm masked inner decay (Hebrews 12:15). Revenge Imitates Justice but Rejects God’s Authority • “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Romans 12:19). • Absalom assumed the throne of judgment; only God sits there legitimately. Unforgiveness Breeds Further Rebellion • After killing Amnon, Absalom later led a full-scale revolt (2 Samuel 15). • Sin never stays contained; it multiplies when unforgiveness lingers (James 1:15). Forgiveness Protects the Offended More Than the Offender • Joseph’s brothers wronged him gravely, yet he released them: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good” (Genesis 50:20). • Christ modeled this perfectly: “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34). Connecting Passages • Matthew 18:21-35—The unforgiving servant ends in bondage; Absalom’s life mirrors that fate. • Psalm 37:7-9—Wait for the Lord; do not fret when the wicked succeed. • Colossians 3:13—“Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Practical Takeaways • Examine silent grudges; if it stays hidden, it grows. • Bring offenses to God first—vent vertically before acting horizontally. • Trust divine justice; His timing may feel slow, but it is sure. • Choose active forgiveness—speak it, pray it, repeat it until feelings align. • Replace plots of payback with acts of blessing (Romans 12:20-21). |
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