In the age of women’s liberation and the premise of the strong woman, we take pride in our strength and our ability to handle things on our own. Some have even said, “I don’t need a man” or “What good is a man?” While we have an enduring strength, capability, capacity, and fortitude, none of that negates the power and presence that men bring. In our effort to hold down everything, we lost sight of the power that resides in our humility and truth. The softness we possess can calm the most cantankerous man or anxious child.
The Story: 1 Samuel 25
In today’s reading, we meet Abigail. She is a lovely woman who is married to an evil man named Nabal. Some of Nabal’s servants went to assist David and his army. While the men were away, David took care of the shepherds and ensured their safety. They returned home from battle and were hungry and in need of refreshing. David learned that Nabal was nearby and asked him to give them sustenance. Nabal refused and offered excuses why he wouldn’t repay David’s kindness with provisions or assist David and his army. When David heard this, he got in his feelings and was ready to kill Nabal and his entire house.
One of the servants went ahead of David to speak with Abigail. She immediately sprung into action gathering enough provisions to sustain an army. Then, she went to meet David. She approached him in humility while speaking truth to the state of the current situation. She advised him that he didn’t need to exact revenge on his own behalf. To kill Nabal would mean to kill without cause. He shouldn’t taint the good he performed for the Lord or trouble his conscience. Her truth in humility calmed David’s anger and made a lasting impression.
The Lesson
Abigail’s actions teach us several lessons.
- Jump in Action – When we see a need and we are in position to help, do it. We don’t have to gather an assembly of people. If God gave us the wherewithal to serve, then we’re to act. He has a purpose for our service.
- Blame serves no one – Although she was not the reason for David’s anger, she would have been the recipient of the outcome. Sometimes we need to look past who caused the problem and simply be the solution.
- There’s strength in humility – Abigail could’ve called Nabal and screamed at him for his vile behavior. What would that’ve solved? NOTHING! Her humility enabled her to soothe the anger of a warrior and her household. Proverbs 15:1-2 ~ “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.” Therefore, choose to use your words to build up and enhance effective communication. Words spoken in humility enable the truth to come to light.
Photo by Avery Evans on Unsplash
