Love your enemies
Jon: Have you ever had a genuine enemy? A person who was trying to harm you.
Bradon: Not just like a moment of anger but a constant aim to hurt me?
Jon: Yeah, think of a story to share. Today on the bible story podcast, we will learn it’s best to love your enemies.
Discussion Episode
1 Samuel 23
About the Story
Bradon: Last week, we heard about David running from King Saul and how Saul made an enemy out of those who helped David. Saul ordered the execution of a Priest and his extended family. Eighty-five priests and their families. It was awful. We learned that Sin has consequences.
Jon: We find today’s story in 1 Samuel 23-24.
Application
Bradon: David was extremely kind to Saul by sparing his life. I think this is where we find our lesson for today.
Jon: Jesus puts it this way in Matthew 5:43-44 ‘“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbour’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!’
Bradon: I am not going to pretend for a moment that loving an enemy would be easy. It is likely the most challenging option.
Jon: I would agree with that but think of today’s story. If David had killed Saul, I bet it would have resulted in this massive civil war between David and King Saul’s supporters. Who knows what would have resulted. Besides Jonathan, Saul’s son was David’s best friend. What would have come of their friendship if David had killed Saul?
Bradon: David had every reason to believe that God had delivered Saul into his hands, yet he chose to show mercy and kindness to his enemy. Not an easy thing to do. So the lesson today is to love your enemies.
Jon: While difficult loving our enemies will result in a lot of good for all and it may avoid bad and hurtful things in the future.
Bradon: So, Love your enemies.
