No matter how poorly David was treated by Saul, and later, his son Absalom, he continued to have genuine compassion toward them. It’s no wonder David is described as being a man after God’s own heart.
Though Saul despised David, and literally attempted to kill him on more than one occasion, David loved and respected him. Though Absalom hated and disgraced his father, David continued to love him. When each of them died, David mourned as if he had lost his closest friend. Even though Absalom was trying to overthrow him, at his death David cried out, “And the king was deeply moved and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And as he went, he said, ‘O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!” 2 Samuel 18:33
This is another example of why David is referred to as a man after God’s own heart. David whole heartedly loved those who hated him. He deeply loved his enemies – just like God.
The truth of the matter is that some people are easier to love than others. Some people might even set themselves up as our enemies. They might wish us harm, stab us in the back, try to sabotage our good efforts, or simply make themselves available to hurt us any way they can. But we must remember something I have a feeling David understood. They are not our truest enemy – Satan is. And just like he used Judas, he uses others – perhaps some of those who, at times, make your life difficult. Seeing the situation for what it is makes it easier for us to love them in spite of their behavior, which is exactly what we are commanded to do. “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” Matthew 5:44
Difficult relationships are not fun. Being hurt by others is painful. Yet, there is freedom in responding as Scripture prescribes. Love. Forgive.
