You can’t please everyone. No matter how hard you try, someone is not going to like something you’ve said or done.
But David was a man who seemed to be able to get along with a wide variety of people. In 1 Samuel chapters 29 and 30, we see David masterfully developing trust and good relations with a wide variety of often opposing groups.
In chapter 29, David earns the trust and respect of the Philistine king. (1 Samuel 29:6,9)
In chapter 30…
- David rallies the very men who, earlier, were so upset with him they were ready to kill him.
- David is able to enlist an Amalekite slave who had previously destroyed David’s village.
- David becomes a mediator for his men when they are in the midst of a disagreement.
- David endears himself to the leaders of his home country…even though that country had run him out of town and tried to kill him.
How does he do it? How does Dave foster trust and loyalty among others…many of whom are enemies to him and each other?
First, David built relationships by showing kindness and respect to others. But more important than his relationship with others was his relationship with God…
- When David didn’t know what to do, he turned to God for insight and answers. (1 Samuel 23:2,4,6,9,11,12.)
- When David encountered unfair treatment, he trusted God to right the wrongs and ensure justice. (1 Samuel 24:12,15)
- When David was discouraged and demoralized, he found his strength and hope in God. (1 Samuel 30:6)
David was submissive and obedient to God, and God made him wise and discerning…which, in turn, strengthened his relationships and interactions with others.
Do you have trouble getting along with people? If so, check your submission and obedience to God. This is always the starting place for great relationships…and great endeavors.