Feeling Appreciated

Abner totally changed sides when he was not appreciated for all the work he had given to the house of Saul.

2 Samuel 3.6-39

Reference: v. 8 Abner was very angry because of what Ish-Bosheth said and he answered, “Am I a dog’s head – on Judah’s side? This very day I am loyal to the house of your father Saul and to his family and friends. I haven’t handed you over to David. Yet now you accuse me of an offense involving this woman!”

Explore: Abner had been loyal to Saul’s house and fought a great battle against David. Yet now Saul’s son had accused him of being unfaithful to Saul by sleeping with one of his concubines. Abner felt hurt, unjustly accused but most of all unappreciated. He had done so much in fighting for Saul’s house and this was the repayment he received. He was so hurt that he didn’t just leave Saul’s house but he intentionally worked hard to support David. When he got to David he had a feast prepared for him (the opposite to that which he found in Saul’s house) and this prompted him to continue working for David.

Application: It’s amazing how much trust and appreciation can contribute to team work. Because Abner was not appreciated for all the work he had done for Saul, he went to the opposite side and contributed in the down fall of the house he once served. I wonder if there are people around us who feel the same as Abner? Unappreciated for all the time and energy they have put into a task. What is our response to them? Do we treat them unfairly by forgetting them or accusing them of things we don’t know they have done? Or do we act like David and allow forgiveness to reign so that everyone can work together towards the good of our Creator? Today, are we going to set about accusing people, or preparing a feast of forgiveness? May our actions can have a positive impact on the people we interact with.

Prayer: Lord, sometimes we can be selfish and not think of the ramifications our accusations may have on others. Help me to be more like David and be willing to forgive rather than accuse. Amen.

2 Samuel