By Rev Clifford Chisha
The way David reacted to the news of king Saul’s death was amazing.
One would have expected David to celebrate the death of a king who made his life miserable but he decided to genuinely mourn him.
What an amazing reaction.
David’s reaction to Saul’s death reveals the state of his heart.
Allow me to suggest that his response reveals that his heart was free of bitterness.
Humanly speaking, David had all the reasons to become bitter, but he chose to become better.
King Saul attempted to kill David several times.
He caused David to become a fugitive and disturbed his career.
This is the man who died and David decided to mourn him.
He didn’t want any of his men to rejoice over king Saul’s demise.
It’s like David managed to keep his heart free from bitterness.
2SAMUEL 1:11-12
11 “Then David and all the men with him took hold of their clothes and tore them.”
12 “They mourned and wept and fasted till evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the army of the LORD and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.”
The men who were with David were positively influenced by their leader.
Instead of celebrating the death of their master’s “enemy” and their own “enemy”, they mourned.
“Then David and all the men with him took hold of their clothes and tore them.”
They followed the example of their leader.
Instead of exhibiting bitterness and resentment, they demonstrated true love.
Leaders should always mind their words and actions.
Whatever they do or say, there is someone watching and ready to emulate.
David’s response to King Saul’s hatred and jealous is amazing.
He responded with love.
Even when he had an opportunity to kill king Saul when he was alive, he chose not to take it.
David chose to become better instead of bitter.
You can choose to allow the attacks from those that hate you or are jealous of you to make you better.
Bitterness robs you of inner peace and initiative.
It subtracts from your life and impairs your judgment.
You cross a lot of people’s paths as a result of bitterness.
Shouting at innocent people and becoming moody begin to characterize your life.
No matter what you get subjected to, choose to become better and not bitter.
