Love That Stays

2 Samuel 18-19 | Romans 5:7-8 | 1 Timothy 1:12-17

Some of the deepest aches in life come from loving people who are far from God or who have hurt us deeply. Love is costly. It means opening your heart to the risk of grief. And when that grief comes, it can feel like the weight of the world has settled on your chest.

David knew this ache all too well. I’ve felt it too: loving people who don’t choose what’s right, and still longing for their good even when they’ve caused pain.

In 2 Samuel 18, David’s army defeats Absalom’s rebellion, but victory tastes like ashes. When David hears of his son’s death, he weeps: “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you.”

That cry echoes something far greater. Romans 5:7–8 tells us that while we were still sinners (rebels against God) Christ died for us. David wished he could die in Absalom’s place; Jesus actually did die in ours.

In 2 Samuel 19, David returns to Jerusalem, extending mercy to those who opposed him. Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 1:12–17 mirror this same mercy; grace that overflows even toward those who were once enemies.

God’s love is relentless. He doesn’t just love the easy-to-love. He loves the wayward, the stubborn, the undeserving. And He calls us to reflect that same love, even when it costs us.

Am I willing to love others with a love that doesn’t depend on their actions toward me? Pray for the grace to love like Christ, truthful yet tender, willing to seek the good of others even when it’s hard.

Lord,
Thank You for loving me when I was far from You.
Teach me to love like You do: without conditions, without bitterness, and without giving up.
Let my love point others back to the cross where You gave everything for me.
Amen.