21 And the king said to Joab, “All right, I have granted this thing. Go therefore, bring back the young man Absalom.”
22 Then Joab fell to the ground on his face and bowed himself, and thanked the king. And Joab said, “Today your servant knows that I have found favor in your sight, my lord, O king, in that the king has fulfilled the request of his servant.” 23 So Joab arose and went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem. 24 And the king said, “Let him return to his own house, but do not let him see my face.” So Absalom returned to his own house, but did not see the king’s face.
Helping a friend do what he needs to do can be risky. We all treasure our independence, so when someone suggests we act differently than we choose, we can get defensive—even with those who love us. But, this is the mark of true friendship. Such relationships make us better than we would be by ourselves.
Joab risks a lot by sending the woman of Tekoa to help David see his error. David quickly surmises that his general is behind the woman’s actions, and David could have reacted angrily and even had Joab put to death for his scheme. Instead, the woman’s story helps David see what he needs to do, and he has Joab to thank for his corrective actions.
Do you love your friends enough to risk relationship in order to protect them. It can be difficult to protect our friends from their circumstances, but protecting them from themselves is even more difficult. Still, for those we love, the risk is generally worthwhile.
The Bible reminds us that “love covers a multitude of sins.” This doesn’t mean that love looks away from poor choices, but instead love acts in a way that steers a friend from an ending he isn’t seeing.
– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.
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