Do you need wisdom to resolve a conflict in a relationship? Perhaps you did not contribute to the disagreement or offense, but you find yourself trying to find a way to diffuse the situation. I recommend reading the account of Abigail in I Samuel 25:1-39 for a biblical perspective on conflict resolution. There is much we can learn from her about handling difficult and even dangerous situations. Abigail used spiritual understanding, godly character, diplomacy, humility and good judgement to protect her family and avoid a devastating end to the offense committed by her husband Nabal toward David.

The outcome of Abigail’s intervention is recorded in I Samuel 25:32 when David replied to Abigail, “Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, who has sent you to meet me today! 33 Thank God for your good sense! Bless you for keeping me from murder and from carrying out vengeance with my own hands. 34 For I swear by the Lord, the God of Israel, who has kept me from hurting you, that if you had not hurried out to meet me, not one of Nabal’s men would still be alive tomorrow morning.”

We too can manage conflicts and defend our homes from attack if we will apply the lessons from this story. Abigail was honest about her situation. She did not condone the wrong thinking or actions perpetrated by her husband, but wisely pointed out that revenge would not solve the issue. She approached the solution with humility and chose her words carefully. She was organized and quick thinking. At the critical moment, God gave her the words of diplomacy and wisdom needed to save her family and friends. Abigail’s reward was a resolution to an explosive situation and subsequent marriage to King David.

Pray: Lord Jesus, thank You for reminding me that making right decisions in the face of difficult circumstances is not only possible, but will bring eternal reward – I will one day become Your bride! Lord, give me the wisdom and spiritual understanding I need to resolve the issues I am facing today. Amen.

Devotion by Julie Long

Author

Julie is a writer who would rather read, a speaker who would rather listen, a joyful wife to Peter, and a determined mother of two. She is the More to Life director and editor of Reflections Magazine UPCI.

Comments are closed.