Tuesday June 16th, 2020
Memorize: James 3:18
” And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness”
Read: 1 Samuel 25:18-19, 1 Samuel 25: 23-31
Abigail wasted no time in thinking of a plan to stop David and his men from killing her husband Nabal. 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 having taken someone’s life unnecessarily.”
Then David said, “Praise the Lord who sent you to me today. Thank God for your good sense and for keeping me from taking revenge.”
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 verse 18-19).
- She was willing to take a risk. She put herself between Nabal and David (see verse 23-24).
- She helped David see the bigger picture. Abigail convinced him not to do something he would regret later (see verse 30-31).
(Important for you to know: You are not responsible for sorting out quarrels between adults!)
Study questions:
- In your own words, explain today’s memory verse.
- Having been in David’s place, what would you have done to Nabal?
- What are the four steps in resolving a conflict?
Author: Dave Strehler
Text edited by Naomie
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