2 SAMUEL 1

Here again, I think David shows us a glimpse of God’s heart in the sad song he penned following the death of Saul and Jonathan. "Saul and Jonathan—in life they were loved and admired, and in death they were not parted. They were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions. Daughters of Israel, weep for Saul, who clothed you in scarlet and finery, who adorned your garments with ornaments of gold." (vs 23-24)

Even when his enemy had been killed, David didn’t resort to dragging his name through the mud. Instead, he openly grieved for him. In a way, that seems strange, given the fact that Saul’s death opened the door for David to ascend to the throne (although David had made it quite clear on more than one occasion that he wasn’t eager for Saul to die).

What struck me was that in the song about Saul, David picked out and spoke the best truth about Saul that he knew. He was a mighty warrior. He brought plundered riches into Israel. He was a father who loved his son. He didn’t try to make up nice things to say about Saul, nor did he point out all the ways in which he had failed.

I think this is what God is like. It reminded me of the situation Jesus found Himself in when the woman who was caught in adultery was brought to Him. He knew the secret sins and failures of the men who were accusing her—but He did not expose those men any more than He condemned the woman. And have you ever read Hebrews 11—the "great faith" chapter? Check out the people who are listed there by God as having great faith. It could raise a few eyebrows!

God always speaks well of us. He always finds the best thing He can say and focuses on it. And if there is nothing positive to say, as in the case of the men who accused the woman caught in adultery, it seems He prefers to keep His mouth closed. God isn’t out to embarrass us or expose us. He always speaks well of us.