Enlarge our hearts

David tore his clothes in sorrow, and all his men did the same. They grieved and mourned and fasted until evening for Saul and Jonathan and for Israel, the people of the Lord, because so many had been killed in battle. (verses 11, 12)

Read 2 Samuel 1:1-16

Many are the stories of mateship among the Anzacs who fought together at Gallipoli . They were defeated, yet triumphant, and the friendships forged in battle lasted a lifetime. Even those who were once enemies – Turks, Aussies, New Zealanders – are making pilgrimages to the same battleground, forging new friendships through the beauty and power of forgiveness.

David displayed such a forgiving friendship all his days to King Saul, who often treated him as his enemy. On hearing of Saul’s death, David wept for the one God had taught him to love and support loyally till death. So distressed was David that he tore his clothes in sorrow, and so did his men.

Friendship with lovable people is not difficult, but to show abiding love for those who seek to harm you is another matter. David’s love for Saul is a beautiful reflection of God’s great love for every one of us, who were his enemies but have been made friends in Jesus.

I ask you to melt and enlarge my heart to be like your heart, dear Saviour. Bless, encourage and deliver those who distress me. Amen.

by Eunice Freiberg in ‘Renewed Hope for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2000)

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