So you want to know how to acquire attributes and characteristics like those of Abigail! Look at her theology.
That is what shaped and fashioned and moulded Abigail’s gracious character.
She was married to a nasty surly tight-fisted man, Nabal, but she did not allow all that to sour her attitude to life.
To repay David and his men for the good work they had done in Nabal’s service, she takes a generous supply of food.
David had been sorely maltreated and he is about to seek revenge. Much blood would have been shed.
As Abigail meets and speaks with David, it is she who introduces the Lord God into the conversation.
She speaks about the creator God, the only God there is, who revealed Himself to Abraham and Moses. Abigail believed in, and had faith in, the living God.
Although living away out in the wilderness of Judea, she was not interested in lifeless images and idols, but the Lord God, who can restrain people from doing wrong, and David had been on the verge of doing wrong.
He is the God who makes kings, keep promises, and blesses people.
Abigail knew her stuff, but it was not only stuff in her head.
What she believed in her heart inspired her to act with such moral generosity, enabling her to do something practical about the dire situation facing her household.
She knew that taking revenge was immoral and evil, and to be shunned and avoided.
What we believe affects and determines our behaviour, especially in times of crisis.
Abigail made it easy for David to cool down and climb down.
There are Nabals still around, but God has Abigails who can influence those called to be leaders when they need gracious godly influence.
Sandy Shaw
Nairn Christian Fellowship
"Word from Scotland" from