KEY SCRIPTURE: 2 Sam 3:23 KJV” When Joab and all the host that was with him were come, they told Joab, saying, Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he hath sent him away, and he is gone in peace.”

(PLEASE READ 2 SAM 3:15–39)

Abner, after a long period of resisting David from becoming king, finally decided to make peace with David. He contacted some of the elders of Israel to suggest that they accept David as King. From there, he met with David to finalise the whole program with him. After he had left, Joab came with his men back from a military expedition. The first report he heard from those who were present when Abner came to see King David was 2Sa 3:23 KJV “……Abner, the son of Ner, came to the king, and he hath sent him away, and he is gone in peace.” Just consider the words of these people. They told the truth but with an evil intention.

These people were simply mischievous. They knew Joab’s words about Abner concerning the death of Asahiel, his brother. This gave Joab a clue about Abner. The end of that story was that Abner, who had sought to create peace in Israel, was killed in cold blood. The hand of the men who reported Abner was actively involved in his murder.

Did anyone ask them any questions about Abner? They were simply playing the devil’s advocate. These were men with evil intentions. They simply wanted Abner to die, and they had their wishes done.

Beloved brother or sister, what kind of influence are you having on others?

Do you give sincere comments, or are your words laden with evil undercurrents? Some marriages have dissolved as a result of certain people with an evil eye.

 Truth is no truth if it is told with an evil wish. Dear one, never become an instrument for the misery of others, but rather seek to be an instrument for peace wherever you go. Please note that people who hate others hated themselves first. To love yourself is to accept God’s love for you, and so you can give love to others. If you are not able to love others, then you have not been able to accept God’s love for you. Free yourself from hatred for yourself by accepting God’s love for you, so you can truly love your neighbour as yourself.

CONFESSION

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for loving me so much. Thank you for coming to this realisation of your love for me. I likewise show love to all men.

FURTHER STUDIES

Psalms 101:5 KJV Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.

Prov 10:18 KJV “He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.”