1 Samuel 24:5 (KJV) The Cut That Convicted

1 Samuel 24:5 (KJV)

And it came to pass afterward, that David's heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul's skirt.

I know exactly what this feels like.

Over the years of ministry, there have been times when I had the right—the authority—to rebuke someone concerning something they did at the church. There were occasions when people in the congregation wanted me to do it. And I will say plainly that there are times when a pastor must exercise his authority and rebuke someone.

But I have also known times when, for whatever reason, I knew I ought not to—but did anyway.

And my heart smote me.

There is a difference between what we can do, what others want us to do, and what the Holy Spirit of God leads us to do. The concept of the “still small voice” is very often abused to justify doing whatever a person wants without biblical justification. But the still small voice of God is real, and one who is honest before God does well to heed it.

I have noted in my personal study of the Word of God that, though David was a man of war—very capable of using the sword—he never used it in his own defense. I have tried to apply that principle to my own ministry, using whatever authority God has given me for the good of the ministry and not for personal reasons.

Still, I have not always been successful at that.

And my heart smote me.

#HeartSmote #TenderConscience #HolySpiritLeading #PastoralHumility #BiblicalRestrain

The Cut That Convicted: A Tender Conscience in a Hard Moment

Looking for clear Bible answers in confusing moments? 📖
God’s Word doesn’t just tell us what we can do—it teaches us what we should do. When conviction follows action, Scripture still has wisdom, mercy, and direction for the heart that’s listening.

Have you ever known you had the right to act, but later felt the Holy Spirit check your spirit? 💭
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1 Samuel 24:5 (KJV) The Cut That Convicted