1 Samuel 25:23-31

When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off her donkey and bowed down before David with her face to the ground. She fell at his feet and said: “Pardon your servant, my lord, and let me speak to you; hear what your servant has to say. Please pay no attention, my lord, to that wicked man Nabal. He is just like his name—his name means Fool, and folly goes with him. And as for me, your servant, I did not see the men my lord sent. And now, my lord, as surely as the Lord your God lives and as you live, since the Lord has kept you from bloodshed and from avenging yourself with your own hands, may your enemies and all who are intent on harming my lord be like Nabal. And let this gift, which your servant has brought to my lord, be given to the men who follow you. When the Lord has fulfilled for my lord every good thing he promised concerning him and has appointed him ruler over Israel, my lord will not have on his conscience the staggering burden of needless bloodshed or of having avenged himself. And when the Lord your God has brought my lord success, remember your servant.” - 1 Samuel 25:23-31

Dear Heavenly Father,

David was on the run and needed help for his men and himself.  Nabal refused to help.  It enraged David so much that he saddled up to go kill Nabal and his men.  Nabal's wife, Abigail, knew both men were wrong.  Her husband was being a jerk and David was reacting out of raw emotions.  She knew he would have the burden on his conscience for his whole life if he killed out of anger.  So, she intervened and saved Nabal and his men for a time and spared David lifelong grief.  God help me to remember her wisdom when I am tempted to do something vengeful or rash out of anger.  Help me to avoid sinning against you and doing untold hurt to others.  Give me the power to stop myself, discern my motives, repent of my reactions and remove myself from the situation.  Give me the power to move away from chaos to peace.  Give me the wisdom of Abigail and your son to be a peacemaker as a member of your family. 

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

A clear conscience is worth more than great riches.