1 Samuel 18:16
But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out and came in before them.
First I see the means by which David won the love of both Israel and Judah; he went out and came in before them. In other words, he was with them. He did not hide away but stayed visible as one of them.
They could speak to him
They could see him in the affairs of his life and see that his testimony was right
They could watch him in the battle and see that he had faith in God
Love is won through fellowship and contact, not through lording above others.
But then I am reminded that when Saul's jealousy of David arose the majority of these people turned against David. Even after Saul had died and David was anointed the king of Israel, there were still, all of David's life, those who resented and turned against him whenever the opportunity presented itself. It is wonderful to have the love of others. But it is most important to have the love and blessing of God. He is the only One whose love cannot fail us.
But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out and came in before them.
First I see the means by which David won the love of both Israel and Judah; he went out and came in before them. In other words, he was with them. He did not hide away but stayed visible as one of them.
They could speak to him
They could see him in the affairs of his life and see that his testimony was right
They could watch him in the battle and see that he had faith in God
Love is won through fellowship and contact, not through lording above others.
But then I am reminded that when Saul's jealousy of David arose the majority of these people turned against David. Even after Saul had died and David was anointed the king of Israel, there were still, all of David's life, those who resented and turned against him whenever the opportunity presented itself. It is wonderful to have the love of others. But it is most important to have the love and blessing of God. He is the only One whose love cannot fail us.
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