“And the men of David said to him, ‘Here is the day of which the LORD said to you, “Behold I will give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it shall seem good to you.” ‘ Then David arose and stealthily cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. And afterward, David’s heart struck him, because he had cut off a corner of Saul’s robe.” 1 Samuel 24:4-5 ESV
David acted naturally, listening to his men when his pursuer, Saul, was within his grasp. But, even then, his noble instincts did not let him kill Saul, but only cut off a portion of his robe. Once again, the robe seems to be a symbol of royal authority. David’s heart halted his disrespectful deed. David seemed to instinctively realize that now was not God’s time to tear a piece of the kingdom from Saul, but rather for David to have the patience and forbearance to wait for God’s timing. Goodness and patience are two of the fruits of the Spirit. Being grafted onto the Vine of Christ, do we bear those sweet fruits as graciously and nobly as modeled by David?