Love is not Blind..

Now the king had commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, saying, "Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom." And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains orders concerning Absalom....Then the king was deeply moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept. And as he went, he said thus: "O my son Absalom--my son, my son Absalom--if only I had died in your place! O Absalom my son, my son!"—2nd Samuel 18:5;33

David, sees his son Absalom sentimentally...through rose-colored glasses...not unlike many of us parents.   Perhaps as a “youth” whose exploits could be forgiven. In reality, Absalom was a grown man who had chosen to betray his father.  As I read 2nd Samuel 18 especially his lament for Absalom at the end of Chapter 18 my heart was reminded of a verse from Philippians.

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, (Philippians 1:9, ESV)

Our love should abound with “knowledge”.  David did not love Absalom with knowledge.  This word according to John MacArthur is from the Greek and describes genuine, full or advanced knowledge. Biblical love is not an empty sentimentalism but is anchored deeply in the truth of Scripture and regulated by it.

And all “discernment”....this word, according to John MacArthur speaks to moral perception, insight and the practical use or application of knowledge.  The love David had for his son was again not biblical but blind....to love someone biblically is to love them with discernment. Biblical love distinguishes between right and wrong and acts accordingly. Absalom was a traitor.  David’s mercy toward him was unjust and his affection not based in the reality of who Absalom was.