THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
David expressed to his companion that he is nothing before the Lord. He questioned the idea, “Is there really nothing from the Lord for me?” Essentially, he pleaded for God’s mercy, indicating that he would never wish to take vengeance himself and imploring that he never fall into such sin. Recognizing that what he contemplated was almost beyond human capability and required heavenly assistance, he prayed that the Lord would keep his heart pure. What greater display of humility can one find within this soul? Should we still regard him as merely a man—he who achieved an angelic act in his human form? Yet, the divine laws would not allow such a classification. Tell me, who would dare to offer such a prayer to God? Who could refrain from praying for the destruction of their enemies?
Read more (1548 words)
Many have resorted to invoking God for vengeance when they feel powerless to retaliate themselves. In contrast, David prayed a prayer entirely contrary to such sentiments, asking not to avenge himself, stating, “I have nothing from the Lord to put my hand upon him,” referring to his enemy as if he were his own kin. He not only spared Saul but crafted an excuse for him, demonstrating profound reason and wisdom. Given Saul's life, David could find no good action to justify his anger nor could he claim to have suffered no harm (an assertion refuted by those who shared in Saul's cruelty). Unable to locate a justification in Saul's conduct, he turned to his title, saying, “This is the Lord's anointed.” How do you respond to such reasoning? They might say, “But he is evil, a man filled with vices, who has wronged us in many ways.” Yet, he is a ruler entrusted with authority over us. Moreover, David did not refer to him merely as a king but as “the Lord’s anointed,” honoring him not solely for his earthly position but for the divine selection. People might ask, “Do you truly regard the appointed?” Fear the one who appointed him. If we tremble before those inferior to the king, even if they are unjust, robbers, or similar, we show them respect for the sake of the dignity of the one who ordained them; how much more should this respect apply to God? As David pointed out, God has not yet stripped Saul of his authority or reduced him to a commoner. We should not corrupt the divine order or wage war against God, remembering the Scripture, “For he that resisteth authority, resisteth the command of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.” Not only did David call Saul the anointed one, but he also referred to him as his master. To describe an enemy with such reverence displays extraordinary wisdom. The importance of this can be seen in others’ actions. Many cannot even refer to their enemies with ordinary titles but resort to despicable names like villain, madman, or destroyer, all in their contempt. To illustrate this, consider Saul himself; his intense hatred kept him from calling David by his rightful name. He referred to him instead as “the son of Jesse,” not out of respect, but rather to diminish David's worth by denigrating his lineage, oblivious to the truth that one’s nobility is defined not by ancestry but by the valor of one’s spirit. David, however, refrained from referring to Saul in such a manner, despite Saul's humble origins, and rather addressed him by his rank and authority. See how pure-hearted was David’s soul. Beloved, let us emulate him and strive to never address an enemy with contempt but to utilize respectful language. If the mouth becomes accustomed to honoring the offender, then the heart, hearing such words, will be inclined to reconciliation. The very words can serve as healing for the wounds in our hearts. I share this not merely to exalt David but to inspire all of us. Let this tale be ingrained in our hearts, a vivid image—David standing over the sleeping Saul, restrained from enacting vengeance, encouraged by soldiers urging him toward violence, yet embodying virtue as he interceded for the one who wronged him. We should not only visualize these events ourselves but discuss them amongst one another, sharing them with our families. Is there a desire to speak of kings? Here is David. Do you wish to discuss warriors, homes, and public matters? In the Scriptures, there are many narratives that provide immense wisdom. Engaging in such tales will fortify the soul against passion’s perils. Therefore, rather than squander our time on trivial matters, let us dive deeply into the stories of the faithful and continually converse about them. If any wish to engage in discussions of games or other distractions, gently redirect them with such narratives, and in doing so, we can remain pure-hearted, foster generosity, and cultivate forbearance towards those who wrong us, departing with no hostility and achieving eternal blessings through the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever. Amen.
Painters wishing to accurately portray an image, devote days to observing their subjects for clarity and fidelity. Similarly, today we do not seek to replicate merely physical likeness but rather the beauty of the spirit and the virtues of the soul. May today serve as an opportunity for each of you to behold David, reflecting on his righteous character—his humility, generosity, and all other virtues. If portrayals of the physical bring delight, how much more do representations of the soul? Physical images must stay fixed in one place, but the image of the soul can accompany you wherever you go. Once placed in the treasury of your heart, you can access it at any time for your benefit. Just as those suffering from eye ailments find solace in the color green, so too can you find peace by frequently contemplating the image of David. Should anger repeatedly cloud your thoughts, gazing upon this virtuous image will restore your spiritual health. Let none assert, “My enemy is wicked beyond redemption.” Remember that no one has plotted against you as Saul did against David, who spared him time and again, despite numerous intrigues against his life. Can you say that your adversary has truly deprived you of your life in such a manner? While they may have wronged you materially, no assault compares to what David endured. Even if someone has threatened your life repeatedly, David’s example teaches us invaluable lessons on virtue and forgiveness. The disparity between what David faced under the old covenant and what is expected of us under grace is immense. David might not have heard the parable of the unforgiving servant or the command to forgive as we are forgiven, nor did he witness Christ on the cross or the shedding of His precious blood. Yet, in an imperfect law, he reached great heights of virtue. You often cling to past grievances, while David was mindful of his future, aware that sparing his enemy could jeopardize his place in the kingdom, yet he still chose to value life. Where can we find a more profound example of patience? Today, we see that the most ferocious lion can be tamed by human skill, transforming from a fierce beast to a creature as meek as a lamb. What excuse do we have, then, if we fail to reconcile with our fellow man? Cruelty does not belong to humanity; it is instead a manifestation of fallen nature. If we can train wild animals, how much more should we nurture our fellow human beings? Even if a person appears unyielding, let our efforts to influence them be renewed. Should your adversary be irredeemably ill, exert additional care over them. Our goal must be to ensure we inflict no evil ourselves, rather than focusing solely on suffering at the hands of others. Then, we might navigate life without enmity, just as David confronted countless trials, ultimately surpassing Saul in glory, honor, and love—from both his peers and from God. What loss did that righteous man, who endured so much, face? Is he not still celebrated? Is he not adored both on earth and in heaven, awaiting boundless blessings? In contrast, what did Saul achieve with his scheming? He lost his throne, passed into death, and faced condemnation and ultimate punishment. As you reflect on any grievances with your adversary, consider this: has he deprived you of wealth? Should you bear that loss graciously, you will gain the same reward as one who gives to the poor, for generous hearts are honored in heaven regardless of circumstances. If your enemy plots your death, classify that malefactor among your benefactors, and diligently pray for his mercy; your choice will bear the weight of martyrdom. Do not dwell solely on the fact that God spared David’s life; rather, consider the multitude of crowns David earned for his faithful responses to Saul’s malice. After repeatedly risking his life, he emerged victorious, reaping eternal rewards. As Paul noted that he died daily for the Lord’s sake, so too did David embrace suffering as part of his obedience. He had every opportunity to take Saul’s life, yet he chose instead to be endangered day after day to preserve life, rejecting the path of violence and vengeance—even against an enemy who threatened him directly.
After Saul expelled David from his kingdom, what held David back from rebelling? Was he not justified in wanting to rid himself of Saul? Had Saul not conspired against David on multiple occasions? David's future reign was endangered, and his own life was at stake, forcing him into a life of fear and flight. Yet, despite these provocations, David took no vengeance; he saw Saul resting, vulnerable among his soldiers, urged on by many to seize the moment as divinely ordained, yet David silenced their rally and spared the king, even blaming the men for betraying the ruler. How can we compare such a soul? Such humility is rare. If we monitor our own misdeeds, we will better appreciate the saintly virtues. Thus, I implore you to embody their zeal for righteousness.