The story of Abigail recorded in 1 Samuel 25:1-44 is shared with many children because of her courage and loyalty to her husband. I think that there might be one or two items we can learn about courageous love from this event.
- Love is not always about a good feeling, but it is always about commitment. Apparently, Nabal was not a man that evoked good feelings toward himself from others. It seems that he was crude, self-centered and inhospitable. Yet, Abigail, as his wife, kept her commitment to his well-being. Courageous love reaches out and is persistent in striving to do the best even when the recipient of that love does nothing to deserve such care or compassion.
- A second thing we learn here is that courageous love acts without hesitation. When we have chosen to love, that commitment becomes part of us. Our mind, emotions and body, without a second thought, moves to perform whatever action is needed. Jesus died for us in anticipation of our salvation (Heb. 12:2-3).
- A third lesson is that courageous love does not consider self when others have a need. Abigail had no certainty that David would respond graciously to her pleas. She was willing to sacrifice herself in her efforts. When we act with such love to defend God’s people, or to teach the lost, we do not know the reaction we may receive. But we are willing to accept the possible consequences in order to achieve the right. Jesus taught this very idea in the sermon on the mount (Matthew 5:10-12).
Let’s each determine to have courageous love. The wounds from a friend are true and faithful.
Mike Glenn (e-bulletin 1-4)