How does Saul's behavior in 1 Samuel 18:9 contrast with Christ's teachings on love? Setting the Scene - 1 Samuel 18:9: “So from that day on Saul kept a jealous eye on David.” - The backdrop is clear: David’s victories win public praise, Saul’s pride is wounded, and jealousy takes root. What Saul’s Jealousy Looked Like - Fixed suspicion—he “kept a jealous eye,” constantly scanning for ways David might outrank him. - Comparison and score-keeping—Saul measures his worth by the crowds’ song (18:7-8). - Growing hostility—jealous thoughts soon spill into murderous plots (18:11; 19:1). Christ’s Call to Love - John 13:34-35: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so also you must love one another.” - Matthew 5:44: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” - John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for his friends.” Point-by-Point Contrast " Saul in 1 Samuel 18:9 " Christ’s Teaching " " --- " --- " " Eyes fixed on a rival " Eyes fixed on serving others (Mark 10:45) " " Jealousy over praise " Rejoicing in another’s honor (Romans 12:10) " " Fear of losing position " Security in the Father’s will (John 5:19-20) " " Plots harm " Blesses, forgives, heals—even enemies (Luke 23:34) " " Self-preservation " Self-sacrifice (Philippians 2:5-8) " Love Defined in Scripture - 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 sketches the opposite of Saul’s motives: • “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud…” - 1 John 4:18: “There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear…” Lessons for Today - Jealous thoughts cannot be nursed in a heart that submits to Christ’s command to love. - Public applause can expose hidden pride; the remedy is humble delight in others’ success. - The Spirit equips believers to replace suspicion with intercession—praying for, not plotting against, those who seem to outshine us. Scriptures to Meditate On - Proverbs 14:30—contrast envy with a peaceful heart. - Galatians 5:22-26—fruit of the Spirit versus “provoking and envying each other.” - Colossians 3:12-14—“put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity.” |
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