Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God. _1 Samuel 30:6
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As a minister trying to encourage people and as a person trying to encourage myself, I have used the above example from the life of David many times.
David’s example is worth following…there will come times when there is no one around to offer support and encouragement and we have to buck up and encourage ourself.
But here’s what I want to highlight for today…
Think about the people who were ready to stone him.
These were not sworn enemies. They were not rabid terrorist or raiders blindly pillaging whoever they happened upon. These were his close friends and comrades in arms.
They were not sworn enemies, they were sworn friends!
So why did they turn on him? For one thing and one thing only…
He made a decision that adversely affected their family.
I find this very instructive.
The ONE THING for today: People will put up with a lot from you. When you fail most people will give you more slack than you often deserve. Even perfect strangers will lean a hand and even a dollar. For the most part, the majority of people are generous and good-hearted. There’s one taboo however…Don’t mess with their family.
The ONE THING 