Day 152 Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 18-19, John 20, Psalm 119:153-176 and Proverb 16:14-15 
Why give grace and mercy to those who offend us? They too are someone’s precious children whose parents may be crying out silently on their behalf. Despite Absalom’s sins against the family, kingdom and himself, King David’s love towards his son did not change. Are we not the same with our own child?
"And the king ordered Joab and Abishai and Ittai, 'Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.' And all the people heard when the king gave orders to all the commanders about Absalom." – 2 Samuel 18:5 (English Standard Version)
"Lord, let me be gentle and gracious. Whilst I remember that the people I am dealing with are someone’s precious children, I shall also see them as my own so that when I am to pass judgment on them I shall be kind and gentle, just the way that I wish my children to be treated. In Jesus’ name, Amen."
