Personality conflicts are inevitable.  None one is going to get along with everyone all the time.  It’s just the way it is.  There are always going to be those who annoy you, get on your nerves, and you are going to wish they just go away – especially if you have to work with them.

In 1 Samuel 26:1-25, David and Saul are at each other again.  Saul is tremendously jealous of David and wants him dead.  I love this story because Saul is camping out with his troops in pursuit of David.  David gets word that Saul is there.  In the middle of the night, David and one of his men, go to where Saul is sleeping.  David could have gotten rid of him – killed him right there! But, he doesn’t. Instead, David takes his sword! This is so funny because David is definitely messing with him. David says, “Do not destroy him; for who can raise his hand against the Lord’s anointed, and be guiltless” (v.9).  Instead of killing Saul, David takes his sword from Saul and walks away.

I think for me, the hardest thing in the world is when I dislike someone or I am having trouble getting along with others, is to remember that they are also, a child of God.  Even though I may find it difficult to love him or her, God loves them!  It would be like one of your own children trying to hurt their brother or sister…Would you not step in and say, “You can’t do that – he is my child too! And, I will not tolerate this behavior!”

Who might be someone in your life today that you feel it is difficult for you to love them?  Try to remember that even though you find it hard to love them, God does.  Treat them as one of God’s very own.

Let us pray…Gracious God, you made us all different – different opinions, viewpoints, and personalities.  Help us to remember that even though it is hard to love everyone – YOU do!  We all belong to you!  Help us to love one another as you would have us to do.  In your name we pray, Amen.