Monday June 15th, 2020
To memorize: James 4:1
” Why do you fight and argue with each other? Isn’t it because you are full of selfish desires that fight to control your body?”
To read: 1 Samuel 25:1-13
One day, Nabal, a rich man who owned land and many sheep, prepared a feast for his family and his shepherds. David, who had protected Nabal’s shepherds from thieves and enemy raiders, sent some of his men to ask Nabal for a donation of food or whatever he had.
Nabal refused to give David’s men a single thing and sent them away saying, “Who is David? I don’t even know him.”
When David’s servants told him what Nabal had said, David was furious and commanded four hundred of his men; “Put on your swords and come with me.”
How do quarrels start?
A quarrel starts when two or more people disagree about something. Each one believes that he or she is right and an exchange of angry words may eventually end in a fight.
Do you remember how the first quarrel between two people started? They were brothers. Cain was jealous of Abel because Abel’s sacrifice was pleasing to the Lord, and his was not. Instead of doing what was right, the jealousy that burned in Cain’s heart led him to kill his brother.
The sinful desires of selfishness, pride, revenge, and jealousy stir up angry emotions that keep us from thinking clearly. Because we are selfish, we don’t try to understand how the other person sees things, which brings about misunderstanding.
Do you think Nabal should have given David some food? Did he even know David, or had he asked David to keep his shepherds safe?
Do you think David had a right to ask for food? When he didn’t get it, did he have the right to threaten or kill Nabal?
To avoid quarrels we should try to see things the way the other person would, and not think we are always right.
Study questions:
- In your own words, explain today’s memory verse.
- Do you think Nabal should have given David some food? Explain your answer in details.
- Do you think David had a right to ask for food? Explain your answer in details.
- Do you think David was right in attacking Nabal? Explain your answer in details.
Author: Dave Strehler
Text edited by Naomie
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