Develop A Forgiving Heart

2 Samuel 19:16-23

The Story

David was returning to Jerusalem after the rebellion and death of his son Absalom.

As he neared the city , he met Shimei.

Shimei had wronged David.

But David did not react in anger or malice.

David reached out to Shimei with compassion and forgiveness.

Lessons

David's reaction gives us a portrait of a forgiving heart.

And we desperately need to learn this lesson.

Remember...

The Lord Jesus Christ has a Forgiving Heart.

He forgives all our offenses.

He forgives all our failures.

He forgives all our trespasses.

He forgives all our debts.

He forgives all our sins.

He forgives us for everything.

True Friend Tells Us The Truth

2 Samuel 19:1-8

The Story

Joab was David's nephew.

And he was the commander of king David's army.

During the battle to retake Jerusalem and to bring David back to the throne, David's son, Absalom was trapped in a tree by his hair (2 Samuel 18:9-17).

Joab found him hanging there.

He and his armor-bearers killed Absalom.

When David heard the news, he was devastated and went off by himself to mourn (2 Samuel 18:23-33).

David was overcome with grief and guilt. He couldn't comprehend that the kingdom had been returned to him.

When Joab heard how David was acting, he went to David and rebuked him for not praising the people for bringing him back to the throne.

He reminded David that there were larger issues at stake.

David was still king and as king, he had a responsibility to the people.

David saw his error and went out to meet he people.

Joab would not stand by and watch his friend make a mistake that he would regret later.

Joab was a true friend who told David the truth.

Lessons

True friends will tell us the truth about our life and our decisions.

They do so to help us avoid the pain that may come from foolish errors.

If we have a friend who loves us enough to tell us the truth, then we are a blessed individual.

Remember...

The Lord Jesus Christ is The True Friend.

He tells us that we are sinners in need of a Savior.

He warns us to avoid the fires of Hell.

He confronted us about the way we live our lives.

The Lord Jesus Christ is the True Friend who tell us the Truth!

True Friends Came In When We Had No Hope

2 Samuel 17:27-28

The Story

Shobi was an Ammonite. David had fought against his people. But he did not allow the past to cloud his love for David. He became an ally of David.

Machir was a man from Lo-debar who gave shelter to Mephibosheth. He had a tender heart and wanted to reach out to help others. He never forgot what David had done for Mephibosheth. And he gave more to Mephibosheth because he was David's friend.

Barzillai was an old man with plenty of money (2 Samuel 19:32). He was David's friend and he provided David's need.

These three men revealed the true nature of friendship.

They gave without being asked, and they asked for nothing in return.

They gave out of unselfish love.

And they did what they could for their friends.

Lessons

True friends will help us when we are in need.

They will give without being asked, and they will ask for nothing in return.

They will give out of pure and unselfish love.

They will do what they can do for their friends.

Remember...

Sinners have such a Friend in the Lord Jesus!

The Lord Jesus came in when we had no hope.

He gave us what we needed when we needed it.

He did the work of a Savior in our lives.

He gave His all and never stopped to consider the cost or to ask for repayment.

What A Friend we have in Jesus!

True Friends Get You Through

2 Samuel 15:30-37

The Story

Hushai came to David as David was leaving the city of Jerusalem.

He was broken hearted over what was happening to his king and his friend.

But David sent him back into the city. David wanted him to feign allegiance with Absalom. He wanted him to counter the counsel of old Ahithophel.

Ahithophel was David's counselor, but he was also Bathsheba's grandfather. He saw the rebellion of Absalom as an opportunity to get even with David for what he had done to Bathsheba and Uriah.

Hushai did what David asked and he saved David's life (2 Samuel 17:15-22).

Hushai served as David's eyes and ears in the throne room, and he laid his life on the line of his friend. he could easily be a dead man!

But he made up his mind to save David's life.

Lessons

Very few friends will help us in our time of need.

But if we have precious friends like Hushai, we are really blessed.

Remember...

Sinners have such a Friend in the Lord Jesus!

The Lord Jesus puts everything on the line for us.

He places us ahead of Himself.

And He died for us.

What a Friend we have in Jesus.