APRIL 26, 1 Samuel 25:18-19, 23-31

In the book of Samuel, we learn that Abigail wasted no time in thinking of a plan to stop David (he was not yet King then) and his men from killing her husband Nabal, after she had heard of Nabal’s insulting behaviour toward David. She took two hundred loaves of bread, some wine, five sheep, grain, and cakes of raisins and figs. She loaded everything on donkeys and told her servants to go on ahead. She didn’t tell Nabal that she was going out to meet David.

When Abigail saw David coming, she bowed down with her face to the ground. “My master,” she said, “let me take the blame for what has happened and do not pay any attention to what Nabal said. The Lord will make you king because you are fighting His battles. Please take this present and do not take Nabal’s life. And when the Lord has made you king of Israel, you won’t have to feel guilty for taking someone’s life unnecessarily.” The result of Abigail’s actions was that David’s heart was softened and he was kept from bloodshed that day.

How can I end a quarrel between my friends? How does one stop a fight or a quarrel without becoming part of it, making things worse, or taking sides? Abigail knew that unless she did something, someone was going to get hurt. Let’s see what she did to bring peace to an ugly situation:

• She didn’t take sides. Although Abigail was married to Nabal, she tried to understand the way David felt.
• She made an effort. Abigail gave of her own food, worked out a clever plan, and used her servants (see 1 Samuel 25:18-19).
• She was willing to take a risk. She put herself between Nabal and David (see 1 Samuel 25:23-24).
• She helped David see the bigger picture. Abigail convinced him not to do something he would regret later (see 1 Samuel 25:30-31).

Thought: Peacemakers reap a harvest of righteousness (James 3:18).

Prayer: Most gracious Father in Heaven, please help me to keep the peace among my friends and family. Help me to learn from Abigail’s example so that I can be a peacemaker. This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.