Feelings Get Hurt Because INJUSTICE IS INFLICTED David sought only what was fair in return for kindnesses shown (25:5-9) Nabal refused to give help and reviled David’s messengers (25:14-17) David and his men were treated with injustice – deserved better One day, we will all be treated with injustice! It won’t be “fair”! Be thankful that Jesus’ judgment is “fair” (John 5:30) Be thankful that God’s forgiveness is “fair” (1 John 1:9) Be mindful that God expects our judgments to be “fair” (Jn. 7:24)

Feelings Get Hurt Because INTEGRITY IS IMPUGNED Nabal questioned David’s integrity with three statements (25:10) David was a man of integrity (Psa. 78:72) but Nabal besmirched One day, our integrity will be questioned – AND it will HURT! Be determined: To “let integrity and uprightness preserve me” (Psa. 25:21) For God to see you “holding fast to your integrity” (Job 2:3) To “walk in your integrity” that others may be blessed (Pr. 20:7)

When Feelings Get Hurt, Do Not REACT (25:13, 17) David immediately got angry & reacted (25:13, 17) There is a difference between RESPONDING and REACTING (Gen. 27:41; Num. 20:11; John 18:10 VS. Gen. 50:20-22; 1 Pet. 2:23; Luke 23:34; Acts 7:60) I must be SLOW to anger (Prov. 14:29; 15:18; 16:32; 19:11; Jas. 1:19) When Feelings Get Hurt, Do Not Seek REVENGE (25:21-22) Agape love takes no account of evil and is not provoked (1 Cor. 13:5) I need to remember, “Do not avenge yourselves” (Rom. 12:19) I need to let God be God, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay” (Ro. 12:19) I need to overcome hurt feelings with good (Rom. 12:20-21)

When Feelings Get Hurt, Look to FORGIVE (25:26-28a, 24) Agape love keeps no record of wrongs (1 Cor. 13:5) May we have the courage to be like God and to forgive and forget (Luke 17:3-4; Heb. 8:12; Acts 7:60) When Feelings Get Hurt, Look to the FUTURE (25:28b-31) May we look to the “enduring house” God has prepared (2 Cor. 5:1) May we see the correlation of “evil found in us” and God’s blessings (1 Pet. 3:12) May we determine to do no nothing today that will bring regret or shame tomorrow (Heb. 3:12-19) May we put our future into the Lord’s hands and trust in the providence of God (Rom. 8:28, 31; Prov. 3:5-6)

How to Respond When We Hurt God’s Feelings Believe that Jesus is God’s Son – John 20:30-31 Repent of your sins and turn to God – Acts 17:30 Confess your faith in Jesus – Philippians 2:11 Be immersed into Christ – Romans 6:3-4 God will forgive all of your sins – Acts 22:16 God will add you to His church – Acts 2:47 God will enroll you in heaven – Hebrews 12:23 Walk faithfully with Jesus until death – Revelation 2:10