Scripture:

2 Samuel 1:11-12

11 Therefore David took hold of his own clothes and tore them, and so did all the men who were with him. 12 And they mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and for Jonathan his son, for the people of the Lord and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.

Free From Bitterness

You and I, we can choose our response, even with those who are unjust towards us, we can let the appetite of bitterness consume us, be righteously angry towards those who have wronged us, or we could forgive them.   

Here, David not only mourns Saul and Johnathan's death, but, because the messenger took credit for taking Saul's life, David literally takes vengeance for Saul...  Let that sink in, the very person who was pursuing David wrongfully, with malice, seeking to kill him unjustly, but yet David remained more righteous.

We can learn from this... 

You want to be free from bitterness, then do not seek revenge, do not hold a grudge, do not be embittered, but desire mercy, love those who hate you, and pray for those who persecute you.  The secret from today is that we would respond from our heart for God and that we would not look like the world.

1. The Lord Desires Mercy over Sacrifice (Hosea 6:6)
2. Love for our enemies (Matthew 5) 
3. Prayer for those who persecute you (Matthew 5)

Lord, today may we let go of bitterness, my our hearts not become calloused by those who have wronged us, help us forgive, let go of anger and wrath, hurt and judgment, and may we be refreshed by the freedom that comes through that, in Jesus' name, Amen!