A NOBLE SPIRIT

“Therefore, David took hold of his own clothes and tore them, and so did all the men who were with him. And they mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and for Jonathan his son, for the people of the Lord and for the house of Israel…” ~ II Samuel 1:11-12

REFERENCE:

II Samuel 1:1-12

Out of pure jealousy, hatred, spite, and wickedness, Saul deprived David of his family, home, security, and the best of his years. He chased David to kill him and was unrepentant to the end. Upon hearing about Saul’s death, one would have expected David to exclaim, ‘Yes! He deserved it!’ However, David mourned, wept, and fasted over Saul’s death. That takes a noble spirit.

Nature recoils at him who says, ‘Good for you,’ at the misfortune of an enemy, for vengeance is the Lord’s. All we are supposed to do is to pray for those who spitefully use us, to bless and not curse them. David had every right to rejoice, testify in the general assembly, or throw a party because a vacancy now existed. However, he led the whole nation in mourning his enemy. He even composed a national lament for him as a perpetual memorial for Saul and Jonathan.

David’s actions powerfully demonstrate that our hatred, bitterness, and malice are a choice, not imposed on us. Considering all Saul did to hurt David, he decided to become better and not bitter. His noble spirit would not let him do otherwise. A noble spirit has high moral qualities; it is kind, generous, and forgiving. David’s attitude led his men to mourn Saul, following his example.

Verse 12 says, “And they mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and for Jonathan his son, for the people of the Lord and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.” David’s noble spirit was large enough to accommodate his enemy, friend, and nation. He mourned for Saul and his friend, Jonathan, but more importantly, for the people of Israel who had lost a king and left without a lamp. It was a heart-wrenching moment for David.

This attitude qualified David for the throne of Israel. If anger, hate, bigotry, and prejudice rule you, God will not trust you with power and the destinies of men and nations. You would suppress your opponents, punish your enemies, and rule with an iron fist. Be of a noble spirit; learn to love, forgive, be magnanimous, and give people what they don’t deserve. It is Ok to have people with deferring opinions around you; it is a test of true leadership and of a noble spirit.

PHOTO QUOTE

ADDITIONAL TEXTS:

Romans 12:19-21 and Matthew 5:43-48

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+ Lord, make me of a noble spirit of great kindness, compassion, and generosity.

+ The love of God has been shed abroad in my heart by the Holy Spirit; may it be expressed in all my relationships and dealings with people around me.

+ Lord, I pray for less of Saul in me but more David in me.