Better Than That (Humility)

 Seeing the best in others, even the more 'difficult' others, is a characteristic of humility.  This means we don't think of ourselves above what we ought (see Romans 12:3).  We still recognize we have value, especially since we are God's creation and made in His image, but we have a realistic view and understanding of ourselves and know we are not flawless persons.

Keeping this in mind we can be more grounded, and then see others through God's lenses.  In so doing we will go hunting with the best of intentions, seeking and seeing the best in others.

The story of David, Nabal and Abigail is a classic example.  Nabal was NOT a nice man by any stretch of the imagination, yet Abigail did have some respect for him, perhaps only because he was her husband.  She was certainly a very wise and discrete woman.  She was a woman of very noble character, it would seem.

Nabal didn't care less about David and his men who'd protected his sheepshearers.  David had then sent some of his men to Nabal asking for food for his hungry men.  Nabal nastily said, "NO!"  David  became very angry at this  and he and his men took up their swords to attack Nabal and his men.

Abigail heard about it.  She quietly rummaged up food and ran to meet warrior David.  She scrambled off her donkey and fell down in front of David.  She put her face to the ground, becoming as humble as a servant.  She pleaded and begged articulately with David not to harm her people.  She told him he was a better man.  He was a better and wiser man, knowing not to take his own revenge.  He was better than that!  She entreated him not to do anything he'd regret and then have it on his conscience when he came into his kingly position.  Don't harm anyone out of anger and vengeance.

David, mighty man of God, humbled himself.  His anger drying up as he actually stood listened to this woman, said, 

"I have obeyed your voice and have granted your petition."

David had swallowed his pride and anger and told Abigail to go home in peace.  She had seen what was better in David and had helped him to see it too.  In this way the Lord kept David from doing wrong.

I believe a big part to this outcome was that David also feared God and walked in His ways.  A good lesson for us nowadays.

We do well to imitate this and see the best in others.  If they can't see it for themselves then we can ask the Lord to show us the way in which to help ourselves and others to do so.  This is the way of humility.

                                                 ~ ERC  December 2025 ~

Based on 1 Samuel 25, especally vs 29-35 ESV and Romans 12:3.

Sing, Image of God along with New Hope  and Come, Jesus Come along with Keith and Kristyn Getty.