1 Chronicles 19: Misunderstood Sympathy
WE KNOW ONE home where it's not safe to inquire about family members; you might mention the name of whoever's in the doghouse right now. In many families and workplaces—even churches—there's one person who keeps things stirred up with rumors. When we start guessing and second-guessing people's motives, there's no end in sight. In this case a misunderstanding inflated into war.
Warming Up to God
When have your motives been misunderstood? How did God help you deal with it?
Read 1 Chronicles 19. »
Discovering the Word
- What was David's intention in sending the delegation to the Ammonites (vv. 1-2)?
- How did suspicion poison their mission (vv. 3-4)?
- How did the Ammonites escalate their aggression against Israel (vv. 6-7)?
- What was the outcome of the conflict (vv. 14-19)?
- How could the conflict have been avoided?
Applying the Word
- Why are we so prone to take offense at what might be innocent gestures?
- When have you seen something innocent escalate into a fight?
- What can you do to prevent such tragic misunderstandings?
Responding in Prayer
Pray for patience and wisdom to avoid leaping to conclusions about other people's motives.
For Further Study
The Message of Chronicles by Michael Wilcock