ACE #90: When Relationships Turn Sour

At various points in our lives, we will be at a crossroads with certain people.  It might be because of a disagreement, perhaps a betrayal, miscommunication, or maybe no reason at all.  But how do we handle when relationships turn sour?

Saul and David were great friends.  It was a close friendship that resembled more of a father-son relationship. Saul had even given David his daughter’s hand in marriage.  Then something happened.  Saul turned against David out of jealousy. Even Saul’s children, Jonathan and Michal, found something profoundly wrong with this turn. Jonathan even warned David that Saul was trying to kill him.  David had done nothing to Saul, but loved and honored him from the very beginning.  The Word states, “Jonathan spoke good of David to Saul his father, and said to him, “Don’t let the king sin against his servant, against David; because he has not sinned against you, and because his works have been very good toward you;” (verse 4).  Saul and his men chased David across the desert for years.  When David and his men caught Saul slipping, David had the opportunity to kill Saul and end the chase…but he didn’t.  He spared Saul’s life.  Even after Saul’s death, David honored Saul through song.

There will be times when relationships turn sour - maybe gradually or maybe suddenly.  As Christians, we are instructed to take the “high road” just like David did in this situation.  David wasn’t perfect, by no means, but he was kind, gracious and forgiving even when his enemy had fallen.  Yes, it’s challenging, but it’s also what we are called to do out of obedience to God – even when relationships have turned sour.

Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (NIV)

Study Link:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Samuel+19