1 Samuel 17–18; 24–26; 2 Samuel 5–7: Lesson 75
1 Samuel 25
The Savior Helps Us Forgive
Visit “Studying the Scriptures” to help prepare yourself spiritually to learn.
In life, people might hurt or offend us. David faced insults from a man named Nabal. Nabal’s wife, Abigail, stepped in to facilitate forgiveness. By comparing Abigail’s actions to the actions of Jesus Christ, we learn how powerful forgiveness can be. This lesson can help you understand how Jesus Christ can help you forgive.
Study the Scriptures
Ponder how you would finish the following sentence: Because of Jesus Christ, I can …
President Russell M. Nelson described something we can all do because of Jesus Christ:
Through [the Savior’s] infinite Atonement, you can forgive those who have hurt you and who may never accept responsibility for their cruelty to you.
It is usually easy to forgive one who sincerely and humbly seeks your forgiveness. But the Savior will grant you the ability to forgive anyone who has mistreated you in any way. Then their hurtful acts can no longer canker your soul. (“Four Gifts That Jesus Christ Offers to You” [First Presidency Christmas devotional, Dec. 2, 2018], Gospel Library)
1 Samuel 25 contains an account in which the actions of a woman named Abigail can be compared to those of Jesus Christ. This comparison helps us learn more about Him.
During times of battle, weary soldiers often broke the law to get what they needed. David and his men needed help and support. They met a man named Nabal. Nabal was a wealthy man and had many flocks and herds. Instead of taking from Nabal what they wanted, David and his soldiers were kind to him and his household. They did not take anything from them (see 1 Samuel 25:7, 15–16). David sent some servants to peacefully ask Nabal for much-needed food and supplies (see 1 Samuel 25:5–9). Nabal insulted David and refused to help him and his army (see 1 Samuel 25:10–11).
Read 1 Samuel 25:3, 14, 17, 25, looking for characteristics of Nabal. Next, read 1 Samuel 25:13, 21–22, looking for David’s reaction to Nabal’s insults and refusal to help.
Ponder your answers to the following questions:
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How would you feel if you were David?
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Think about a time when you were hurt or offended. How did you respond?
A servant of Nabal witnessed the conflict between Nabal and David. The servant informed Abigail, Nabal’s wife (see 1 Samuel 25:14–17). When Abigail learned of this conflict, she interceded on Nabal’s behalf and asked David to forgive him (see 1 Samuel 25:18–20, 23–28).
Abigail is a type of Christ. In the scriptures, a type of Christ is an individual, object, or event that helps us think of Christ.
Review the following study options. Complete one or more.
Option A
What can I learn about Jesus Christ from Abigail?
Read 1 Samuel 25:18–19, 23–28, 31. Mark anything that Abigail said or did that is like something Jesus Christ has said or done.
Sister Kristin M. Yee of the Relief Society General Presidency shared insights into the Savior’s ability to help us forgive:
In this account, Abigail can be seen as a powerful type or symbol of Jesus Christ. Through His atoning sacrifice, He can release us from the sin and weight of a warring heart and provide us with the sustenance we need.
Just as Abigail was willing to take Nabal’s sin upon herself, so did the Savior—in an incomprehensible way—take upon Him our sins and the sins of those who have hurt or offended us. …
Abigail’s bringing an abundance of food and supplies can teach us that the Savior offers to those who have been hurt and injured the sustenance and help we need to be healed and made whole. (“Beauty for Ashes: The Healing Path of Forgiveness,” Liahona, Nov. 2022, 36–37)
Read 1 Samuel 25:32–35, looking for David’s feelings toward Abigail and toward her efforts to help him forgive Nabal. How might we feel similarly when we receive the Savior’s help to forgive others?
Make a list in your notebook about what you learned from Abigail’s example.
Option B
How can the Savior help me forgive others?
Through the actions of Abigail, David forgave Nabal. Abigail provided support for David and his soldiers (see 1 Samuel 25:18). She took responsibility for Nabal’s mistakes and asked David for forgiveness (see 1 Samuel 25:24, 28). Similarly, through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we too can forgive others.
President Russell M. Nelson taught:
It can be painfully difficult to let go of anger that feels so justified. It can seem impossible to forgive those whose destructive actions have hurt the innocent. And yet, the Savior admonished us to “forgive all men” [Doctrine and Covenants 64:10]. …
… If forgiveness presently seems impossible, plead for power through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ to help you. As you do so, I promise personal peace and a burst of spiritual momentum.
When the Savior atoned for all mankind, He opened a way that those who follow Him can have access to His healing, strengthening, and redeeming power. (“The Power of Spiritual Momentum,” Liahona, May 2022, 97, 100)
Choose three or more of the following passages about forgiveness. Tag them as “forgiveness.”
Imagine you had the opportunity to tell Jesus Christ how you feel about Him helping you to forgive others. In your notebook, write a short sample of what you might say to Him.
Share Your Thoughts
Lesson Purpose: To help you understand how Jesus Christ can help you forgive.
Share one or more of the following with your teacher or class:
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The list from what you learned about Abigail being a type of Christ.
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What you wrote to Jesus Christ in your notebook.
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Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.
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Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?