David could see the need for forgiveness and peace in someone else’s family, but his grief would not let him see the need in his own family. Joab finds a way to gently correct David. The forgiveness is not complete, but David takes a step in the right direction.
Do you have friends in your life who would gently correct you if you needed it? A friend who tells you what you want to hear is fun to have around, but a friend who tells you what you need to hear is much more valuable. Proverbs 27:6 says, “Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.” If you don’t have a friend like this, find one.