Big Idea: God’s grace empowers us to be gracious.

1 Samuel 28:19

2 Samuel 1: 4, 9-10

Three things at once:

1. David’s best friend is dead.
2. David’s greatest enemy is dead.
3. David’s path to the throne is clear.

2 Samuel 1:12 & 17

2 Samuel 1:23

How you respond to people is a choice

Anger is a reaction.

Bitterness is a choice.

Resentment is a choice.

Forgiveness is a choice.

God’s grace empowers us to be gracious.

Choosing forgiveness over bitterness:

1. Focus on God’s grace in forgiving you.

Romans 5:10

Choosing forgiveness over resentment:

2. Focus on God’s grace in using your suffering.

Genesis 50:20a

Choosing forgiveness over bitterness:

3. Focus on God’s grace in healing all things.

Revelation 21:5a

Message Questions

We’re in a year-long journey through the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, tracing the rise, reign, and legacy of Israel’s most famous king. We’ll see the story of how God works through real people with real flaws to accomplish his purposes. This week we are in 1 Samuel 31 and 2 Samuel 1, and the big idea is: God’s grace empowers us to be gracious.

Use these questions to discuss the message from Sunday, focusing on how you can grow as an everyday follower of Jesus and how you can go accomplish what Jesus calls you to do.

1. Have someone read 1 Samuel 31:4-6 and 2 Samuel 1:17, 23. After years of being hunted by Saul, David learns of his death. Instead of celebrating the removal of his greatest enemy, David writes a lament calling Saul "loved and delightful.” Why is it so difficult to speak well of those who have hurt us, and what does David’s response reveal about the difference between a natural reaction and a spiritual choice?
2. Have someone read 2 Samuel 1:6-10 and 2 Samuel 1:13-16. An Amalekite brings Saul’s crown to David, expecting a reward for "finishing off" David’s enemy. How does David’s decision to execute the man for "killing the Lord’s anointed" demonstrate his refusal to take a shortcut to the throne, even when his path was finally clear?
3. Have someone read 2 Samuel 1:12 and Romans 5:10. David chose to mourn and fast for a man who tried to kill him. How does focusing on the fact that we were once "enemies" reconciled to God through Christ change the way we view people who currently treat us as enemies?
4. The sermon notes that while anger is a reaction, bitterness and resentment are choices. What is one specific situation where you need to grow in your reliance on God’s grace to choose forgiveness over the "prison" of bitterness?
5. Have someone read Genesis 50:20 and Revelation 21:5. Since God can plan "for good" what others plan for evil, how can you go and extend grace to someone who has offended you this week, trusting that God is in the process of healing and making "everything new"?