Forgiveness as Brave Interruption

Scripture (1 Samuel 25:18, CEB)

“Abigail quickly took… and went to meet David.”

Reflection
Abigail enters the story as an interrupter. She moves quickly, decisively, and at personal risk. Forgiveness often requires someone willing to step into the path of escalating harm—not to deny wrongdoing, but to prevent devastation.

What’s remarkable is that Abigail didn’t cause the offense. She didn’t benefit from it. And yet she takes responsibility for stopping its consequences. Forgiveness sometimes shows up as courage on behalf of others, especially when pride and rage have narrowed everyone else’s vision.

Abigail’s action teaches us that forgiveness is not passive. It’s not waiting for emotions to cool on their own. It is active, costly, and intentional. She prepares a gift not because David deserves it, but because peace does.

This kind of forgiveness doesn’t excuse Nabal. It refuses to let his foolishness determine the future. Abigail shows us that forgiveness can be an act of leadership—choosing the long view when others are trapped in the moment.

Application
Where might forgiveness require you to intervene rather than withdraw?

Prayer
God, give me the courage to step toward peace.

Song  “Bridge Over Troubled Water” – Simon & Garfunkel