BIBLICAL FATHERHOOD--THE GREAT NEED OF THE WORLD 7z-11) HE HAS A GENERATION MINDSET-- ROLE MODELING LOVE THAT "REJOICES NOT IN INIQUITY" (1 Corinthians 13:6) continued.

Men, God's love that "rejoices not in iniquity" is also saddened and offended at news proclaiming iniquity. In 1 Samuel chapter 31 we read how King Saul, having lost three of his sons (including Jonathan), was also seriously wounded by arrows. Saul called upon his armor bearer to slay him before the uncircumcised Philistines could get to him. The armor bearer would not kill his master. Therefore, Saul fell on his own sword and died, as also did his armor bearer.

In 2 Samuel chapter 1 a young man runs to inform David of how he had personally killed Saul at Saul's request and brought the crown from his head and the bracelet from his arm as proof. Even though Saul was an enemy toward David, this news did not please David. He did not rejoice in the iniquity of slaying the Lord's anointed. As a result, this young man was slain for the news he thought would cause David to rejoice.

The truth was that David had already had the opportunity to slay Saul himself but refused because of the anointing God had given to Saul while he lived. King Saul was also an Israelite, meaning that he was of the chosen seed, despite all his sins.

Men, how casual and flippant we can be when and evil report reaches us. How easy it is to say, "Well, they deserved it."

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell