2 Samuel 1; 2:1-7

After battling the Amalekites, David receives word that Saul & his sons are dead. David mourns the death of Saul & his best friend, Jonathan, knowing that Israel has lost great men & leaders. As part of his mourning, he writes a song that is taught to the people of Judah. Later, the Lord tells David to settle in Hebron where he is anointed as king over the tribe of Judah.

With Saul dead, you would think that David would be happy. Instead, his actions show that he genuinely cared for his king & father-in-law, even while running for his life. David knew he would be king, but he wanted it to happen in God’s time, not his own. David’s response shows that it is possible to love those who hate you and to bless those who curse you (Matt. 5:43-44; Luke 6:27-28). As Christians, we are to have the same kind of response and love toward those who hate us.

What kind of love and character do you show toward those who hate you?