Peacemakers

Have you been caught in the midst of a tense situation or a heated disagreement in which individuals with different opinions are adamant about their position? Were you the one who could “pour oil on troubled waters”? Were you the one to take control of an out-of-control situation and defuse a potentially volatile occurrence? Abigail is described in the Bible as “an intelligent and beautiful woman” (1 Samuel 25:3, NIV).

She was the wife of Nabal, a wealthy but foolish man.

When David and his men, who were fugitives at the time, came to Nabal’s land seeking provisions and help, Nabal responded rudely and refused to assist them.

David, angered by Nabal’s response, was planning to take revenge by attacking Nabal’s household. Abigail, upon hearing about her husband’s actions and understanding the dire consequences that could result from David’s wrath, took it upon herself to intervene.

She gathered food and supplies and went to meet David and his men. Abigail humbly and respectfully approached David, acknowledged his righteous cause, and sought forgiveness for her husband’s offense. She acted as a peacemaker, preventing a potentially violent conflict and persuading David not to carry out his vengeful intentions.

David, moved by Abigail’s wisdom and grace, commended her for her actions. “Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, who has sent you today to meet me. May you be blessed for your good judgment and for keeping me from bloodshed this day and from avenging myself with my own hands” (1 Samuel 25:32, 33, NIV). As a result, David did not carry out his plan to harm Nabal’s household. Soon after, Nabal died, and David married Abigail.

In our fallen world, situations lead to violence, wars, and loss of life. We are called to be peacemakers, and the Bible promises that peacemakers “will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9, NIV). We are to reflect God’s character in our actions—in the church, our workplace, the community, our homes, and the whole world.

Let us strive to be peacemakers by seeking reconciliation and promoting harmony, and we shall be called “children of God.”

Estelle Baker