11.13.23 - 2 Samuel 21:3
Sometimes we're so invested in the results we never take the first step to achieving them. What do you need to let go of to take the next best step for your health, well-being, and life today?
David said to the Gibeonites, "What must I do for you, and with what may I appease you that you may bless the inheritance of the Lord?"
There are a few things I think about in this section of the passage: first, I think it's interesting that David's path forward was to directly approach the Gibeonites and ask what they needed to make things right. He went directly to the hurt party and asked what would be meaningful for them.
Second, when the Gibeonites said they wanted to kill seven of Saul's offspring, David didn't backpedal or side-step.
The outcome was tragic (more bloodshed) but David knew that he couldn't control what the Gibeonites did after he fulfilled his part -- but he did still need to fulfill his part.
I think we can sometimes treat atonement like a negotiation: what is the bare minimum I can give to reach peace?
By David's example, we should come with open hands, agenda-less, and seek to meet the need of those who are hurt.
Moreover, I think it also takes work to accept that we can't control what the other person may do after we offer up that vulnerability.
What are you holding onto tightly because you fear the response of others? How is holding on affecting your ability to move forward?
What can you imagine feeling if you were to let go and take a next first step?
--Katelin Champion