Damage we never intended to cause

1. COLLATERAL DAMAGE
II Samuel 9;19:24-30

2. Unintended consequences …
Collateral damage… Friendly fire.
All these expressions describe a
single reality. Sometimes we
suffer because of the actions of
others who never meant to hurt
us.

3. And, sometimes our actions, no
matter how well intended, cause
pain to others. How are we to deal
with the “collateral damage” of our
lives and the “unintended
consequences” of our actions?

4. Collateral Damage
Mephibosheth suffered:
Physically
The loss of his family
Financially
The loss of his future
The loss of his personal security

5. Which of these losses have you
suffered?

6. Dealing With Unintended
Consequences
• David Responded to Mephibosheth By:
Recognizing and accepting responsibility.
Seeking out the person he had damaged.
Seeking to restore what was lost.
Going above and beyond what was
expected.

7. Have you caused collateral
damage?
How have you responded to
those who suffered because of
your words or actions?

8. Dealing With Unintended
Consequences
Mephibosheth responded to David
by:
Viewing the past with new eyes.
Focusing on the future not the past.
Accepting David’s acts of reconciliation.
Opening the door to forgiveness and
the future.

9. The Sad Story of Shimei
II Samuel 16:5-14;I Kings 2:8-9,36-46
Shimei reacts with:
Bitterness
Anger
Retaliation
Degrading conduct

10. Shemei’s Conduct Resulted In a:
Lifetime of fear -at any moment David
could have retaliated
Lifetime of judgment
Lifetime of bondage -house arrest
I Kings 2:36-38
Lifetime of pain
Ultimate self destruction I Kings 2:39-46

11. When did you responded to someone
who caused you pain with the actions
of Shemei?
What was the result of your response?
When any part of your heart is hard
“your whole heart is hard”
You can’t hold resentment against
someone and love God!