April 15 - Read 2 Samuel 8 - 10

How many Syrians did David slay in battle?

What was the servant's name from the House of Saul whom David showed kindness?

Who was Joab?

LESSON: Two things stand out in the life of David. The Bible says he was a man after God's own heart and it says he was kind. These two attributes go together. We can be both firm and kind.

​PRAYER: Dear God, help me to be kind to my fellow man, even as I carry out my responsibilities. Amen.

HOW DO YOU TREAT YOUR ENEMIES

Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament. Yet hidden away in its pages is a question that should concern all Christians: How should we treat our worst enemy when he experiences misfortune? God called Obadiah to minister to people of Jerusalem at the time when they were under attack by the Babylonians. As the citizens of Israel were being slaughtered and the city was under siege, the Edomites looked on from outside Jerusalem. Instead of fighting against the Babylonians, they rejoiced to see the death and destruction that was falling upon the Israelites. Although the Edomites were descendants of Jacob just as the Israelites, it did not stop them from actually dancing and cheering as the Babylonians destroyed the temple of the Holy City. Obadiah condemned the Edomites for their actions saying, "You shouldn't gaze on the day that your brother is taken into captivity; nor should you rejoice over the death of the children of Judah." It's not unusual for people to find pleasure in seeing their enemies hurt and experiencing misfortune. However, the Bible warns Christians against this practice. In Proverbs 24:17 we read, "Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles." Instead, we are to show compassion and forgiveness. The love that we have for God can be measured by the love that we show our enemies.