The Good and Right Way

by John Gibson

“Far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way” (1 Samuel 12:23). To understand the setting, note that these words were spoken by Samuel at what might be called Saul’s coronation. In 1 Samuel 8 the Israelites had informed Samuel that he was old, his children were unworthy, and they wanted a king like the nations around them. It is obvious Samuel felt a certain hurt by Israel’s rejection of him (though God assured him that it was really His reign they were rejecting—1 Samuel 8:7), yet Samuel refused to become embittered. This noble judge and prophet intended to keep on teaching and praying for the people.

What a lesson for us today when we feel that our friends, family or brethren have in some way wronged us. If we feel mistreated do we get angry, pout, stay home, etc., or do we get on our knees and pray for those who have not shown us the respect we feel we deserve? Do we continue to preach and teach the good and right way, or do we find ourselves quietly hoping something will happen so they will “learn their lesson” and appreciate us the way they should? I know that in my own experiences I have not always been like Samuel, but this is the model we should strive to imitate.

 

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