The more power Saul seemed to have, the more unstable he seemed to become. He was an unpredictable man and a jealous king. Even his own children did not understand him. But they could see that their father wanted to hurt David. Jonathan and Michal both loved David in different ways, one as his friend and one as his wife. And both risked their own security to save David’s life. True love makes sacrifices to do what’s best for others.
Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.
Michal went to great lengths to help David, letting him down from his house through a window, and making a dummy to pretend that David was asleep in his bed. What would you have done if you had been in her place? What would you do now if you thought a friend was in danger?
You don’t have to wait until someone’s life is in danger to show your love, and sometimes all you need to sacrifice is time. One way to show love for someone is to be kind to them when they are sick. Even if you don’t know anyone who is sick right now, you can gather supplies so you can give them away when the time comes. Ask a grown-up to help you get tissue packets, cough drops, tea bags, and fun activity or puzzle books and pencils. Wrap these items in gift bags or even pieces of fleece that can double as blanket shawls. A small sacrifice of your time and a little money to put these items together can feel like a big act of love to the person who receives them.
Or, if you can’t buy items right now, if you have paper and something to write with, you can write letters to patients in nursing homes. Tell them about yourself and what you like to do. Ask them about where they are from and what things they like. If you have crayons or markers, draw a happy picture. You can drop the letters off at the local nursing home. Or maybe a parent could help you visit the residents in person!
Dear Lord, help me love others and protect them. Let me think of others as more important than myself. Amen.