TACKLING DISCORD
1Samuel 19:1, 4-5
“Saul told his son Jonathan and all the attendants to kill David…Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, ‘Let not the king do wrong to his servant David; he has not wronged you, and what he has done has benefited you greatly. He took his life in his hands when he killed the philistine. The Lord won a great victory for all Israel, and you saw it and were glad. Why then would you do wrong to an innocent man like David by killing him for no reason?’”
1Samuel 19:1, 4-5
“Saul told his son Jonathan and all the attendants to kill David…Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, ‘Let not the king do wrong to his servant David; he has not wronged you, and what he has done has benefited you greatly. He took his life in his hands when he killed the philistine. The Lord won a great victory for all Israel, and you saw it and were glad. Why then would you do wrong to an innocent man like David by killing him for no reason?’”
Jonathan, and David were as close as any brothers could possibly be, and struggled to stay alive during many demanding times. When Jonathan’s Dad, King Saul, was so jealous that he wanted to kill David, Jonathan went into combat mode to protect his friend.
Yes, the Philistine, in the Scripture verses at the beginning of this devotion, is Goliath!
Jonathan’s Dad was jealous because David killed the giant, and achieved rock star popularity. Not only was David adored by the Israelites, but revered among the soldiers. King Saul wanted their respect more than being grateful for David’s battle victories. The conflict was within the Saul’s heart, but his jealous rage erupted on his son, Jonathan.
Your household may not be as chaotic as theirs, but we can learn much by how Jonathan reacted. Like Saul, people often look for someone to criticize during conflict. The best way to handle anger during a crisis is to turn to the Lord in prayer. We can then ask the Father to provide us spiritual discernment—because He already knows everything about our problem. Often, when jealousy invades someone’s heart, objective discussion becomes impossible, and tension rules. With the Spirit’s help, gaining insight into the situation often leads believers to manage a peaceful resolution.
Human nature automatically shifts into the defense mode during warfare, (personal attacks on oneself). Hasty reactions yield disputes, and tempers flare.
How to dissolve discord?
Focusing on God provides believers a calm, supernatural pause, and inner peace (John 14:27). Jesus told His disciples that the Holy Spirit would provide wisdom to speak correct words when facing hostility (Luke 12:11-12). Sometimes it’s best to not say anything.
Words spoken in anger can never be taken back.
Take Home Nugget
God has called us to represent Him in every situation—the same way Christ did—by depending on our heavenly Father.
Lord, help me to turn aside
From saying words that spring from pride.
Teach us to act as Jesus had done,
Praising You with battles won.
J.D. Griffith
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