Women of the Bible: Abigail

“A strong marriage requires two people who choose to love each other even on the days when they struggle to like each other.”

There have been a few moments in the four years that I’ve been married to my husband that I have disliked him.

Some of these moments have been small, like when he left his socks on the ground even though the laundry basket is sitting right there or when he shrunk my favorite sweater. However, some of these moments have been big moments, ones that shook the foundation of our marriage and required us to choose love rather than feel love.

 Which is what Abigail’s story in the Bible is all about. Have you ever read her story? It takes place in 1 Samuel 25. If you’re unfamiliar with Abigail’s background, here is a short summary:

Abigail is married to Nabal. Nabal is not a kind man, in fact, he’s quite horrible. He’s harsh and ill-behaved. He drinks too much and is mean too often. He’s selfish and crude. He also doesn’t believe in God – not one bit.

Abigail, on the other hand, is beautiful, not just on the outside, but on the inside, too. She’s discerning and intelligent. She’s always kind, even when she doesn’t need to be. She’s faithful and loves God despite her dissatisfying circumstances.

 It doesn’t really seem like a marriage between these two people could ever work out, does it? But it does, for one reason only: Abigail chooses to love her husband, every single day. She lived out her marriage vows, every single day. She remained faithful and protective of her husband, every single day, even when he didn’t return it.

God blessed her for that faithfulness. 

When Nabal’s life ended expectedly, God made sure that Abigail was well-taken care of on this earth. She married a handsome and loving man named David. David was Israel’s most illustrious king, therefore, Abigail had a joyful career ahead of her. Then God blessed her with a son, Daniel.

She was faithful and God rewarded her for that faithfulness.

Perhaps you’re reading this and you really dislike your husband right now. Maybe it’s something small like his stinky socks are all over the ground or maybe it’s something bigger and your marriage is one bad step away from divorce. Or maybe, it’s the other way around, and your husband really dislikes you right now. I’ve been in both situations. I get it.

Can I tell you what my best piece of advice is?

Love God and love your husband. Choose that love every single day.

They say that there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. But there is one good thing that you can never have too much of, and that is love.

“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." – Colossians 3:14

Brandi is a redeemed follower of Christ, a wife, and a mama to one little girl on earth and one little girl in heaven. She works as a freelance writer, blogger, and author. In her rare spare time, she enjoys traveling with her family, getting lost in a good book, and baking anything that involves chocolate. You can read more of her writing at www.littlesandlife.com.

“All stories and situations are different. If you find yourself in an unhealthy relationship, please find necessary help and advice from someone you trust.”