2 Samuel 4:11 KJV
How much more, when wicked men have slain a righteous person in his own house upon his bed? shall I not therefore now require his blood of your hand, and take you away from the earth?
Though David had long been at war with Ishbosheth, when he was killed by his trusted aides and that while asleep in his bed, David's indignation was not upon Ishbosheth but upon his murderers. David went so far as to proclaim Ishbosheth a righteous man. Learn:
A struggle is often a matter of differing understanding.
It is not that either party is wicked but that they have differing points of view. In such a case it may be very appropriate to continue struggling for what we believe but we have no cause for animosity toward those against whom we struggle.
Even in the midst of the most intense battles, there is still an appropriate way to conduct oneself.
If Ishbosheth had died in battle it would have been reasonable and justified. To be killed while asleep and by men he believed he could trust is unacceptable even in the eyes of the opposition.
The judgment of those who cross the lines of what is appropriate is harsher than for those who fight appropriately though on the losing side.
A soldier defeated in combat is often highly regarded even by those of the opposing and victorious side. Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee are examples. Though they fought on a losing side during the Civil War, and though we might challenge their judgment for taking up arms against the country, all sides recognize them and honorable men and stellar soldiers.
Not so the likes of Benedict Arnold[1] and the British Major John Andre[2]. Not so with John Wilkes Booth. Andre's request to be executed honorably by firing squad was denied because he was wearing civilian clothes and going by a false name when captured. He was hanged without honors because he was acting as a spy and not an officer. Booth died in a gunfight and his accomplices were unceremoniously hanged for their actions. It was not who they had killed but how they had done it that was their greatest offense.
Applying this to the perspective of the Christian's charge to earnestly contend for the faith:
We must fight the good fight according to the dictates of our conscience even if that battle is against someone we love
Truth is the greater priority.
We must contend honorably and appropriately
It is not all right to disobey Biblical truth for the greater good of Biblical truth
We must never lower ourselves to anything below loving souls.
Our greatest (human) adversary ought to be loved and respected of us.
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