2 Samuel 2:4-7
And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah.
When they told David, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul,” David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead and said to them, “May you be blessed by the Lord, because you showed this loyalty to Saul your lord and buried him. Now may the Lord show steadfast love and faithfulness to you. And I will do good to you because you have done this thing. Now therefore let your hands be strong, and be valiant, for Saul your lord is dead, and the house of Judah has anointed me king over them.”
Tag: Love your Enemies
In Romans 12, after Paul lays out the doctrine of our justification, the Apostle begins to outline our conduct in light of our new position in Christ. He states the following:
Romans 12:14-21
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
David in the above scene is the picture of Paul's command. David has a new position (King of Judah). That new position allowed him to highlight kindness and loyalty to those who cared for his enemy, Saul. Yet, he didn't rejoice over a fallen enemy. He practiced Paul's instructions. So, too, those of us who are believers. Our kindness ought to show to those who might be opposed to us. In faith we are to lover those who hurt us. New position should produced new conduct.
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