Love Not Bitterness
“The beauty of Israel is slain on your high places!
How the mighty have fallen!” - 2 Samuel 1:19
Look at the great love and respect David had for Jonathan and Saul. His love was not only for Jonathan but also for Saul. He called them the beauty of Israel and the mighty ones. He was praising them, even though Saul had run him out of Israel.
It is important to remember, David was never at war against Saul. He was a man of war but he chose to run from Saul instead of meeting him on the battlefield. That is how we see the love he had for Saul, as God’s anointed.
We can learn so much from David. He did not always do the right thing, but he truly loved the Lord and loved God’s people. When Saul came against him, he did not get bitter or turn people against Saul. He left it in God’s hand and went into exile. Think about it. He should have been bitter. He could have told all his men to fight against Saul. Instead, he loved Saul and praised him.
Listen, there will always be people who will not like you or will come against you. You do not have to do anything wrong. Sometimes people do not like you because they are jealous, like Saul. Learn from David. Do not get angry or bitter with people who come against you. You need to lift them up before the Lord and allow Him to work in their lives. If you love people, many times, their hearts will be convicted and they will turn from their anger and bitterness. You will be a great witness for God’s love.
Suspicions subtract, faith adds, but love multiplies. It blesses twice—him who gives it and him who gets it.
~C. T. Studd~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!
