And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him. Ephesians 6:9.

In this chapter, 1 Chronicles 15, David wants to bring the ark of God to the city of David. He realizes “No one but the Levites may carry the ark of God, because the Lord chose them to carry the ark of the Lord and to minister before him forever.” v. 1-2.

David learned an important lesson. The Lord God, Creator of all that is, is King. He is no respecter of persons. David not only learned, he ensured this time all would understand. And the Levites carried the ark of God with the poles on their shoulders, as Moses had commanded in accordance with the word of the Lord. David told the leaders of the Levites to appoint their fellow Levites as musicians to make a joyful sound with musical instruments: lyres, harps and cymbals. v. 15-16.

Only in God are we truly free. We are free to live loved by God. As we live loved by God we begin to understand how to love others…with His help.

You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:43-45, 48 NIV.

That is a wonderful ideal! But look what happened to Michal, David’s wife when she chose not to love. As the ark of the covenant of the Lord was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David dancing and celebrating, she despised him in her heart. v. 29.

The ark of the covenant of the Lord was entering the city and Michal chose hate. What does hate do to our hearts? It enslaves us.

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 1 John 4:16.

Choosing to love God is our choice. Freely made. Always. Do you want to be free? Live loved by God. He loves all.