However, the Word of God requires believers to honor their spiritualleaders. Leaders are accountable to God for the spiritual well-beingof those under their care. - P97
They are called work in the best interests oftheir flock. It is, therefore, a noble thing to acknowledge their hardwork by supporting their initiatives and letting them know how Godhas blessed us through their ministry. Leaders carry a divine mandate.
- P97
They have been appointed by God and by honoring them, we affirmGod‘s call on their lives. We ought to make their work easier and nota burden. - P97
Like all human beings, even the godliest leaders will makemistakes. We should therefore commit to praying for our leaders thatthe Lord will protect them from the schemes of Satan. - P97
When theymake mistakes, we should call them to account but in a respectfulmanner. - P97
Leadership is not for the fainthearted. For this reason weshould give all the support we can to those God has given to lead us. - P97
17 "You are more righteous than I," he said. "You havetreated me well, but I have treated you badly.
18 You have just now told me about the good you didto me; the LORD delivered me into your hands, but younot kill me. - P98
22 So David gave his oath to Saul. Then Saul returnedhome, but David and his men went uptothe strong-hold. - P99
Saul weeps aloud and says that David is more righteous that he is. David hastreated him well, but he has treated David badly. - P99
He says that David will surelybe king and the kingdom of Israel will be established by his hands. Saul asksDavid to swear by the Lord that he will not kill off his descendants, and Davidgives his oath to Saul. - P99
Saul is deeply moved by David‘s mercy; he knows that David could haveeasily killed him but chose not to. - P100
David‘s attitude toward Saul bringsto mind Jesus‘ command to love our enemies (Matt. 5:44). - P100
Sometimes,
all it takes is an act of kindness to turn an enemy into a friend. It is noteasy to show grace to those who are unkind to us, but Christ teachesus to respond to evil with love. - P100
This is the most effective way we cansoften an enemy‘s heart and prompt them to feel penitence over theiractions. - P100
It is also a powerful witness of Christ‘s love, for He died for uswhen we were still sinners. - P100
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