Ep. 145: Practicing the Art of Christian Diplomacy,

<p class="p1">SHOW NOTES:</p> <p class="p1"> </p> <p class="p1">In Podcast Episode 145, “Practicing the Art of Christian Diplomacy,” Kim discusses the example of diplomacy modeled by Abigail in her interchange with David. In which ways was she a good model? Are there points of improvement you believe she could have implemented in her next challenging interaction? </p> <p class="p2"> </p> <p class="p1">The primary scripture text for this episode is <a href='https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Samuel+25%3A1-38&version=NLT;ESV'>1 Samuel 25:1-38</a> with  as the focal verses 23-28:</p> <p class="p2"> </p> <p class="p1">23 When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off her donkey and bowed low before him. 24 She fell at his feet and said, “I accept all blame in this matter, my lord. Please listen to what I have to say. 25 I know Nabal is a wicked and ill-tempered man; please don’t pay any attention to him. He is a fool, just as his name suggests. But I never even saw the young men you sent.</p> <p class="p1">26 “Now, my lord, as surely as the Lord lives and you yourself live, since the Lord has kept you from murdering and taking vengeance into your own hands, let all your enemies and those who try to harm you be as cursed as Nabal is. 27 And here is a present that I, your servant, have brought to you and your young men. 28 Please forgive me if I have offended you in any way. The Lord will surely reward you with a lasting dynasty, for you are fighting the Lord’s battles. And you have not done wrong throughout your entire life.</p> <p class="p2"> </p> <p class="p1">ADDITIONAL VERSES:</p> <p class="p2"> </p> <p class="p1">A gentle answer deflects anger,</p> <p class="p1">    but harsh words make tempers flare. (Proverbs 15:1)</p> <p class="p2"> </p> <p class="p1">4  Gentle words are a tree of life;</p> <p class="p1">    a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. (Proverbs 15:4)</p> <p class="p2"> </p> <p class="p1">13 Spouting off before listening to the facts</p> <p class="p1">