Moments with my First Love [UNDER REVISION]

MOMENT 81: When Someone Hates You

Note: Please read first 1 Samuel 24:1-22. Don't be always dependent on the verses provided here or by any Christian reading books. Always keep in mind that when you were given a verse, take the whole chapter.

Dwelling verse: 1 Samuel 24:16-22

v16 As soon as David had finished speaking these words to Saul, Saul said, "Is this your voice, my son David?" And Saul lifted up his voice and wept.

v17 He said to David, "You are more righteous than I, for you have repaid me good, whereas I have repaid you evil.

V18 And you have declared this day how you have dealt well with me, in that you did not kill me when the Lord put me into your hands.

V19 For if a man finds his enemy, will he let him go away safe? So may the Lord reward you with good for what you have done to me this day.

V20 And now, behold, I know that you shall surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand.

V21 Swear to me therefore by the Lord that you will not cut off my offspring after me, and that you will not destroy my name out of my father's house."

V22 And David swore this to Saul. Then Saul went home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold.

Saul chased after David for so many countless times just to kill him, and the main reason? Jealousy. But David never did anything wrong against Saul even though he was so tired of running away.

Actually, David was capable to just kill Saul instead, he was also tempted to do so once, but he was just always reminded that the vengeance is in the Lord and it is not him to take the life of anyone even if it is his enemy.

Things to remember when you know that you are God's:

1. You will be greater than any other even if you don't make efforts.

Because it is the Lord who's in you that works! But this shouldn't be the reason for you to become prideful. Just like David, used whatever greatness you have only for the Glory of His Name in accordance to His will!

2. There will always be someone who will envy you.

Those jealous or envied people will always find fault about you. They will keep on tracking you until they find your weak spot in order to bring you down. What's sad is that, most of the times, those people are also a brother/sister in God.

Saul even was a King! Can you believe it? But never take revenge. You can always choice to avoid them.

What shall we do with the people who hates us?

Never take a revenge! Nor even thinking about revenge against them.

In the passage Saul realized that he is wrong. When he knew that David will never ever do him wrong no matter how bad he has caused him, it is him who humbled himself.

Remember: Showing kindness to your enemy will never be in vain especially when you are representing Christ.

When someone hates you:
1. God is teaching you to be more kind even if other people don't show kindness towards you.

2. God is teaching that person to humble himself and admit that he is wrong.

Both parties are in God's care. Just do your part, learn your part and God will do His as well.

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." -Romans 12:17-19

Shalom!
Glory be all to God! :)