Imagine genuinely mourning the death of someone who has treated you with spiteful, ungodly hatred. Hard to fathom? It is for me--and for that I am ashamed.
David mourned the death of Saul when news reached him that the king and his sons had died in battle. The young Amalekite who delivered what he assumed would be delightful news to David must have been shocked to encounter a man whose heart had been "transplanted" by the living God of Israel.
It is only possible to imagine such capacity for love and forgiveness if you've seen or experienced it. David's reaction to the news of Saul's death proves that hatred, bitterness and unwillingness to forgive are chosen, not imposed responses--and that is a convicting principle to consider.
2 Samuel chapter 1, along with several chapters from the Psalms (121, 123-125, 128-130) are the passages for today's chronological exploration of the Bible. It's impossible to delve into all of the amazing lessons contained within these verses, but I cannot skip the chance to highlight again that scripture mandates that we are to be loving forgivers who shun bitterness.
When my flesh cries for justice and my mind wanders into the foggy fields of unforgiveness, I will be wise to recall this lesson that served to elevate David from average guy to man after God's own heart. After all, isn't that what we really want to be?
Father, forgive me for being unforgiving. Release me from any bitter root that has taken up residence in my heart and help me love the way you love--the way David loved--supernaturally and completely. Thank you Lord. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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