April 21 – 2 Samuel 1-4

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from 2 Samuel 1-4. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

I absolutely love the respect that David has for his enemies. I think this is what made David known as a man after God’s own heart. When David hears from the Amalekite that he killed King Saul, even though he did not and was just taking credit for it, David had him put to death for not respecting God’s anointed one. When David hears that Saul’s son was killed by a couple of men David reacts in much the same way as before. Even though Saul pursued him and tried to kill him, David had a great amount of respect for his enemy.

While I believe punishment for wrong doing is necessary that does not mean it has to be done with hate and revenge. I love the way the Amish community responded to the man who carried out the massacre of the Amish school room a few years ago when they responded with forgiveness and grace, even attending his funeral. I think this is how Christians are to respond to our enemies. So let me ask you, how are you doing in the area of loving your enemies?

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