“When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off her donkey and bowed low before him. 24 She fell at his feet and said, “I accept all blame in this matter, my lord. Please listen to what I have to say. 25 I know Nabal is a wicked and ill-tempered man; please don’t pay any attention to him. He is a fool, just as his name suggests. But I never even saw the young men you sent. 26 “Now, my lord, as surely as the Lord lives and you yourself live, since the Lord has kept you from murdering and taking vengeance into your own hands, let all your enemies and those who try to harm you be as cursed as Nabal is. 27 And here is a present that I, your servant, have brought to you and your young men. 28 Please forgive me if I have offended you in any way. The Lord will surely reward you with a lasting dynasty, for you are fighting the Lord’s battles.” 1 Samuel 25:23-28 NLT
Lord of all,
How different Abigail’s response is to that of her husband. David requested help reasonably knowing that Nabal’s servants would have reported their good behaviour daily. Nabal we are told was a mean man. He could not even spare a cake of figs.
Abigail proved what the writer of proverbs tells us in 15:1, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” In the face of her husbands anger and David’s response she speaks words of wisdom and peace. Giving a genuine apology, not just words but, with actions proving her words.
Help us to recognise when we need to give a gentle answer and show our generosity. Not allowing meanness any room. To be able to stop and think before we respond in emotions and consider the words of our mouths. To speak life and hope and love where possible. It is one thing to speak up when hard truths need to be heard it is another to be able to speak gently when the situation calls for it. Help us to be an Abigail and not a Nabal.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Wednesday 30th April 2025
Make me a channel of Your peace
Where there is hatred let me bring Your love
Where there is injury, Your pardon, Lord
And where there’s doubt, true faith in You
Make me a channel of Your peace
Where there’s despair in life let me bring hope
Where there is darkness, only light
And where there’s sadness, ever joy
Oh, Master, grant that I may never seek
So much to be consoled as to console
To be understood as to understand
To be loved as to love with all my soul
Make me a channel of Your peace
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned
In giving to all men that we receive
And in dying that we’re born to eternal life
Chorus
Repeat first verse.
Lyrics: Attributed to ST Francis of Assisi, adapter Sebastian Temple.