1 Samuel 24:1-22 KJV
1 And it came to pass, when Saul was returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi.
2 Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats.
3 And he came to the sheepcotes by the way, where was a cave; and Saul went in to cover his feet: and David and his men remained in the sides of the cave.
4 And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily.
5 And it came to pass afterward, that David's heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul's skirt.
6 And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD'S anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.
7 So David stayed his servants with these words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul. But Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on his way.
8 David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself.
9 And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men's words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt?
10 Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the LORD'S anointed.
11 Moreover, my father, see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in my hand: for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that there is neither evil nor transgression in mine hand, and I have not sinned against thee; yet thou huntest my soul to take it.
12 The LORD judge between me and thee, and the LORD avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.
13 As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.
14 After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.
15 The LORD therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand.
16 And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept.
17 And he said to David, Thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil.
18 And thou hast shewed this day how that thou hast dealt well with me: forasmuch as when the LORD had delivered me into thine hand, thou killedst me not.
19 For if a man find his enemy, will he let him go well away? wherefore the LORD reward thee good for that thou hast done unto me this day.
20 And now, behold, I know well that thou shalt surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thine hand.
21 Swear now therefore unto me by the LORD, that thou wilt not cut off my seed after me, and that thou wilt not destroy my name out of my father's house.
22 And David sware unto Saul. And Saul went home; but David and his men gat them up unto the hold.

When leaders do not appreciate the next leadership to coming up behind them, it is a statement of either their character or the character of the one coming up, depending on which leader you like or dislike, or maybe it matters not. Watching Presidents come and go, there are favorites and those one would like another choice. Whether it be town leaders, county leaders, the boss on a job, or even a teacher we see leaders coming up, some with great skills, and some maybe their skills are not as defined. Yet there are times the superior seems to be on the case of the one next in line, one might wander if they will really have that chance to lead. David was anointed by God to one day be king. Saul jealousy raged, because he had sons and daughters that maybe should rule because of his own anointing. However God did not choose any of King Saul children. King Saul went hunting for David as if he was prey.

David had no desire to take Saul's position until God's timing. He still was willing to submit and work under Saul. David showed Saul how he could of easily taken his men and even his life, the night Saul caught up to David without knowing it and slept in the same cave as David and his men. David and his men hiding in the back of the cave where the men of Saul could not see them. David took his sword and cut a piece of Saul's robe. Just to demonstrate how close he was able to get to his king. When the morning came and Saul left the cave, David came out and called to the king and showed him the piece of garment. After their words of ettiquette of their anointing, Saul brings up about the killing of his family. And he ask David not to kill his family when his time to die had come. David was willing to honor this request. David never lay down his respect for the king, or his family.

When strong men are evil, and strong men are without regards for others lives, we must stop for a moment and ask when they regard another, what respect do they give each other. The point being Saul spirit of jealousy would plague him to chase down David one more time. His jealousy would be so great he sought David life, though he views him as a dear son. David because of his love for Saul was able to soothe him, despite his upcoming position and call by God. Those called to lead may be anointed by God but they do not always obey God, nor do they always listen to other godly men or women. Instead they do it their way.

Saul was possessed and no longer doing things God's way, but with seeing David his desire to wound or kill David ceased. He could not attack David because his men were witness to David words and deeds. If our action are evil can we still make peace. It only last as long as our the anger stays away. Let us learn to love with out hate, or jealousy. To love and give peace and not war. Learn to love your enemy as you would yourself, even when they hate or despitefully use you.

Dear Heavenly Father, you know the hearts of those that read, what their intent is and whether there heart is of love or not. In Jesus precious name, Amen.

Continual Scripture Study: Matthew 5:43-45 KJV
43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.