Forgiveness?

Then Joab went to Geshur and brought Absalom back to Jerusalem. But the king gave this order: “Absalom may go to his own house, but he must never come into my presence.” So Absalom did not see the king. [2 Samuel 14.23-24]

The thing is, Absalom did finally get to see the king (David, his father) after two years of being back in Jerusalem. But to do so, he resorted to unconventional means (set fire to Joab's field).

This story is so interesting today because I had a thought before even reading today about Matthew 6 where Jesus taught us to pray for forgiveness "as we forgive." 

Even though David had been forgiven by God of his sin regarding Bathsheba, it seems the good king is having some trouble of his own in forgiving.

Again, he eventually did let Absalom come to him, but, it was after two years. I wonder what might have developed in Absalom's thinking and character during that time? We know for fact that he set Joab's field on fire - it seems Absalom resorted to criminal activity? How might this have been different had David forgiven Absalom two years earlier when Absalom first returned to Jerusalem? We will never know - but the thought is worth considering...

Father, there is much about forgiveness I think we all need to learn. Help me to be a person of forgiveness - because I so need forgiveness!