Relationships with our family and friends can be difficult.

Things can be going great one minute and then falling to pieces the next. When it feels as if you’ve acquired an enemy, it is tempting to take up the defensive: you have been hurt and you want them to feel the pain you are experiencing. Yet, God calls us to a higher standard.

In today’s verse, we see a blessing being given and peace being made. What we don’t see are the multiple preceding chapters that describe a relationship falling apart.

Saul, who had been like a father to David, set out to kill him on multiple occasions. Each mission ended up with the tables turned and David was the one with the chance to kill, though he refrained each time, acknowledging that Saul was chosen by God.

David’s actions allowed Saul to see that God was guiding David’s life and would give him success. You can’t control how people act towards you, but you can control your response.

When you remember we are each God’s chosen and treat others as such, people will see the character of God directing your life.