What does it mean to be gentle? To be honest we struggled to define
gentleness, is it a demeanor? Is it a
degree of action? Is it just like kindness? We concluded that it is the way in which one
behaves; rooted in positive intentions.
When we look at the story of Nabal and Abigail we see a woman filled
with gentleness.
To being wise,
Nabal was approached by King David’s men who were asking for
food in gratitude for keeping Nabal’s men safe.
Nabal replied harshly, and stated that he would not favor their request
and that for him to do so would be absurd.
David became furious and threatened his own life if he failed to punish
Nabal for this mistreatment. Abigail
heard of the news from a servant and acted immediately. She gathered food and wine and went to David
to beg for forgiveness for her husband’s actions in an attempt to save her
family. The next words she uttered
showed respect for David, compassion for her husband and honor to God. David accepted her apology and granted her
request. Her next actions further
displayed the extent of her gentleness.
She returned home and found her husband feasting like a king. He was high in spirits and very drunk. Rather than chastising him there, she chose
to act in gentleness. Abigail waited
until the next morning to tell Nabal what had happened.
What we can glean from the story of Nabal and Abigail is that
gentleness requires compassion, kindness and humility. Gentleness and the accompanying
characteristic are not possible without a daily outpouring of the Holy
Spirit. Gentleness reflects a
transformed mind and attitude. It is a
consistent response that seeks a peaceful and positive solution to what is
happening around you. Gentleness is a
powerful weapon in diffusing negative or difficult situations.
God uses gentleness in a powerful way to draw us to
him. God gave Nabal 10 days to repent
for his sinful and foolish ways. Nabal’s
failure to do so caused his demise. When
we think of our own sinful ways it is comforting to see how God’s gentleness is
always evident. It is reflected in how
He tailors our experiences to teach us.
God’s persistence in drawing us closer to Him and the versatility of his
measures exhibits His gentleness.
Gentleness in our actions portrays the depth and extent of God’s endless
love.
To being wise,
Meredith, Jennifer and Marisa