Choosing The Relational High Road
Pastor Doug Heisel – August 23, 2026
1 Samuel 25: 21-22 – (David said) “It’s been useless—all my watching over this fellow’s property in the wilderness so that nothing of his was missing. He has paid me back evil for good. May God deal with David, be it ever so severely, if by morning I leave alive one male of all who belong to him!”
1 Samuel 25: 14-17 – One of the servants told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, “David sent messengers from the wilderness to give our master his greetings, but he hurled insults at them. Yet these men were very good to us. They did not mistreat us, and the whole time we were out in the fields near them nothing was missing. Night and day they were a wall around us the whole time we were herding our sheep near them. Now think it over and see what you can do, because disaster is hanging over our master and his whole household. He is such a wicked man that no one can talk to him.”
Lessons from Abigail
1. Choose to be an EAGLE, not a CROW.
Isaiah 40:31 – Those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
Proverbs 19:11 – A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.
2. Pray for WISDOM, then courageously do what God prompts.
James 1:5 – If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
I Samuel 25:30-31 – When the LORD has done all He promised and has made you leader of Israel, don’t let this be a blemish on your record. Then your conscience won’t have to bear the staggering burden of needless bloodshed and vengeance.
I Samuel 25:32-33 – David said to Abigail, “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, who has sent you today to meet me. May you be blessed for your good judgment and for keeping me from bloodshed this day and from avenging myself with my own hands.
3. Remember that MORE hangs in the balance than the immediate situation in front of you.
I Samuel 25:39 – When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, “Praise be to the Lord, who has upheld my cause against Nabal for treating me with contempt. He has kept his servant from doing wrong and has brought Nabal’s wrongdoing down on his own head.”
I Samuel 25:40 – Then David sent word to Abigail, asking her to become his wife.
Life Group Discussion & Questions
BREAKING THE ICE:
Share some examples where life today is more complex than it was for your parents.
DIGGING IN:
When you think about all the things that likely occurred over David’s lifetime, why did this story get an entire chapter? Keep that in mind as you read 1 Samuel 25.
1. In this story Abigail personifies someone who takes the high road in a relationally complex situation. Describe the various challenges she was up against.
2. Review point #1 and describe how Abigail modeled being an eagle not a crow.
3. Review point #2. Have a few people share how God has either spoken to them or through them in a similar manner.
4. Review point #3. What short-term benefits came out of Abigail’s actions? What long-term benefits resulted? How does this point challenge you?
BRINGING IT HOME:
Believe that there will be opportunities this week to apply this message. Stay open to God’s leading. Pray for wisdom. Walk in the courage that is available to you.