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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise David consistently showed kindness to his enemies: he wept over Saul and Abner, and he thanked the men of Jabesh-gilead for burying Saul’s body. His attitude toward those who opposed him mirrors your own kindness. You are gracious to those who resist your will and longsuffering with those who refuse to repent. You demonstrated your “love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8). Hallelujah! Today in Your Word Today you told me how David became king of Judah while Ish-bosheth became king of Israel. David showed remarkable restraint after Saul’s death. He did not proclaim himself king; instead, he asked you what he should do next. You told him to go to Hebron, and he stayed there for 7½ years. This teaches me the importance of consulting you before I make a decision. Even if I know something is your will for me, I need to wait on your timing instead of taking matters into my own hands. The years passed by, and even though the house of Saul was at war with the house of David, David made no effort to lead his men into battle against his fellow Israelites. David’s attitude here is amazing. Saul hounded him for years and tried over and over to kill him, yet David was not consumed with hatred or a desire to destroy Saul’s house. This is in sharp contrast with Joab, who was obsessed with avenging his brother’s death. Joab murdered Abner the first chance he got, and his selfish act put David’s patient negotiations in jeopardy. Only David’s sincere and heartfelt sorrow at Abner’s death saved Israel from more bloodshed. This shows me how crucial it is to promote peace and reconciliation and leave vengeance in your capable hands. Reflection David rebuked Joab for what he had done and forced him to weep over Abner’s grave, but he did not punish his nephew according to your law (cf. Num 35). Am I willing to obey your will even when it concerns the sin of my own family or relatives? Request Father, it’s not easy to be kind to those who are mean and spiteful. Help me to show your love and kindness to those in my life who treat me with contempt. Thanksgiving Thank you for being kind to me when I didn’t deserve it. I’m so grateful that I have the privilege of tasting “the kindness of the Lord” (1 Pet 2:3)! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: "He Lifted Me" — Charles H. Gabriel. Meditation Verse: 2 Samuel 3:39.