It's Never Wrong to Do the Right Thingਨਮੂਨਾ

BE QUICK TO MAKE IT RIGHT

Our first story of how God can redeem messy situations is about David and Abigail. It takes place at a time when David had gathered six hundred men as his militia while he hid out from King Saul in the countryside.

During this period, David chose to provide security for the herds of a wealthy man named Nabal. But then when David courteously asked Nabal to provide some food in return, Nabal refused, replying in a grossly insulting manner.

David’s temper flared. He told his men, “Each of you strap on your sword!” (1 Samuel 25:13, NIV). They were going to get satisfaction from Nabal, with violence if necessary.

Since Nabal wouldn’t do the right thing, his wife, Abigail, decided she had to—right away. She “acted quickly” (v. 18) to gather food supplies and then rode out to intercept David’s attacking force. Meeting David, she “quickly” (v. 23) moved to apologize for her husband and ask David’s forgiveness.

A “gentle answer turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1, NIV), and that was the case here. David withheld revenge. And as soon as Nabal died, he married Abigail!

Maybe you relate to David’s story and are angry because you have been insulted or repaid evil for good. Your feelings are valid. I also encourage you to slow down in your response. David was wise enough to listen to Abigail’s plea and hear her reason. He praised her for her good judgment in keeping him from needless bloodshed. He trusted God to deal with his enemies instead of taking revenge.

If you recognize you are the one who has made a foolish error, repent. Acknowledge the wrong you have done. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, NIV).

God can be trusted. Like Abigail, we can be quick to take righteous action and allow God to work His master plan for us. Regardless of where you find yourself today, He offers you His love, grace, forgiveness, and change so that you might be equipped to take godly action and go change your world.

DO THE RIGHT THING: If someone has harmed you and you have been holding a grudge against them, forgive today. If someone is holding something against you, offer your apology—and do what you can to make amends.