Painting by Gardner Symons titled 'Sunny Slopes'

How (Not) to Get Even

A sermon on 1 Samuel 24

We’re hard-wired for justice. The God who created us in his image is a God of justice. He loves justice. He practices justice. But the same God who hard-wired us for justice also says personal vengeance is not the way to get it. Revenge is not justice; getting even is not justice.

Revenge is off-limits for a Christ-follower because it’s not the way of Jesus. But the desire to get even is so powerful. How do you resist it?

Listen as Ryan preaches from 1 Samuel 24, where David resists the temptation to take revenge on Saul.

This sermon was preached on November 10, 2024, at Grace Bible Church in Escondido, California.

About Ryan

Ryan writes for weary pilgrims learning to follow Jesus through the wilderness. He serves as a lead pastor at a church in Southern California.

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Painting by William James Glackens titled 'Street Cleaners, Washington Square' (ca. 1910)

David’s Desperation

A sermon on 1 Samuel 21:1–22:5
Detail from Fall Begins by Alma Thomas, 1976.  Smithsonian American Art Museum, bequest of the artist.

Where is the God of Justice?

An Advent sermon on Malachi 2:17–3:5