The Children's Chapel Award-winning site, featuring Bible stories from a variety of authors, excellent Christian resources for children, and over 140 links to other Christian and family-friendly sites for kids. ~ A Ministry of The Missing Link, Inc. ~ The Fruit of the Spirit Is Gentleness - Kindness [Picture of a peach] The Beauty and the Beast of the Bible * by Sophia Prinsloo Text Version Afrikaans translation [Picture of apple] Downhearted, Erica sat on the bleachers and watched as her teammates from the Green School played hockey against the Red School. She was very sad because she wasn't on the team too, although she had scored quite a few goals for her school before. [Picture of cherries] During school vacation, bullies in the neighborhood had broken her hockey stick. Her parents did not have enough money to buy her a new stick so she was forced to give up playing hockey. "Look! Kaylyn has shot a goal again!" She sighed and thought about what had happened at school the previous day. Kaylyn just asked her why she did not play hockey anymore, but Erica had scolded her and grumpily walked away. She knew she had hurt Kaylyn, but she did not want her teammates to know that her family was poor and that her parents could not afford a new hockey stick. Actually, Erica felt very bad and guilty about it, but she did not know what else to do. "Green, Green, Green School!" the children on the bleachers cheered loudly when the girl's hockey team of the Green School won the match. Not even the win could make Erica happy again. She watched as Kaylyn and the team came running towards her. "Uh-uh! There is no way out now. They are surely going to be mean to me, like I was mean to them yesterday," she thought worriedly. With a large, kind smile on her face Kaylyn stopped in front of Erica. "Erica, I really would like to give you something. Here is the hockey stick that shot the winning goal today. If you don't mind, I really want to give it to you. I have another one at home. It may not be new, but will you please accept it from me?" For a moment Erica was dumbfounded, but first she felt she had to come clean and said, "Kaylyn, I am very sorry that I was so mean to you yesterday! Will you please forgive me?" "Of course!" Kaylyn said. "Because Jesus was so kind to forgive me for all my wrongs, I can forgive you!" All the other teammates agreed. "Then I will gladly accept this hockey stick! You have made my day. Congratulations on your great win!" Erica said with a huge smile. [Picture of fruit divider] [Picture of pear] A beautiful, wise woman from Maon, named Abigail, was working hard to prepare a big feast for her husband and his friends for that evening. She and her maidservants were baking bread, frying wheat, making clusters of raisins and cakes of figs, while her menservants prepared the meat. It would be a feast fit for a king. Abigail was busy making bread Her husband, Nabal, was neither handsome nor wise, but he was very rich and had three thousand sheep and a thousand goats. Each year when Nabal sheared his sheep in Karmel, wool merchants came from everywhere to buy wool from him, making him became even richer. In the distance, Abigail suddenly noticed a streak of dust coming towards them. "Who could that be?" she wondered. "Nabal is in the field checking on the shearing of his sheep and he won't be back home until tonight. I just hope it is good news!" [Picture of peach] While Abigail took out more loaves of bread from the oven, a breathless messenger arrived. "Bring him some water, a loaf of bread and some of the fruit," she ordered one of her maidservants. [Picture of grapes] The messenger was one of Nabal's servants. "My lady," he gasped. "My lady! We are in big trouble!" "Calm down, young man. Catch your breath and tell me what happened," Abigail told him caringly. He told her, "While we were watching the sheep here in Karmel, we were very afraid of stock-thieves. However, David and his men were so kind. They stayed with us the whole time, protecting and watching over us. They were like a wall around us night and day. They neither insulted us and nor stole anything from us." [Picture of peach] [Picture of the messenger wiping away the sweat from his brow. ] "When Nabal brought the shearers to shear the sheep, David sent ten men to him to ask about his health on his behalf. They gave Nabal a friendly greeting and wished him all the best. Then they also asked Nabal if he would give them some of his food provisions. You yourself know that food is scarce in this barren land and David and his men deserved to receive something from Nabal for all the good things they did for him." A frown clouded the messenger's face. "But Nabal was very unfriendly. He railed against David and his men, insulting them and flatly refused to give them anything, not even water, or bread, or meat. Nothing!" "Oh, no! What happened then?" Abigail asked with wide eyes. [Picture of pear] The young man went on with a troubled look on his face, "When David's men told him what Nabal said, he immediately became furious because Nabal treated them badly for all the good work they had done. David commanded four hundred of his men to gird their swords and go, fight against Nabal and us, his servants. Two hundred of his men stayed with the pack-animals to guard them." [Picture of cherries] The messenger anxiously shook his head. "Nabal is so headstrong that he thinks he can do what he wants and treat people badly without consequences. He thinks we will defeat David, but we are not soldiers. We are afraid." He pleaded, "My lady, you must do something; otherwise, we all will be dead by tomorrow." Immediately, Abigail knew what to do. She took two hundred loaves of bread, two bags of wine, five measures of fried wheat, a hundred clusters of raisins, two hundred cakes of figs, and five slaughtered sheep and loaded it all on donkeys. She turned to the young messenger and said, "Take us to David." In the meantime, she sent her menservants ahead with the loaded donkeys and told them, "Go! I am following directly behind you." To her maidservants, she said, "Tell Nabal nothing," and with that she climbed onto her donkey and departed down the mountain. She was in a gorge when David and his men suddenly came upon them. [Picture of Abigail bringing food to David and his men] When Abigail saw him, she immediately recognized David by his handsome, ruddy appearance. She quickly dismounted from the donkey and fell down before his feet and said, "Blame me, my lord, but please listen to what I want to say. Nabal is a fool, just as his name means, and the Lord will judge him. Please accept this present from me and don't let us all be punished for Nabal's mistake." When David saw the beautiful woman pleading before him for mercy, his anger immediately subsided. He was very impressed with Abigail, especially when she said, "I know that the Lord protects you against all your enemies and that He will avenge you against them. I also know that one day, you will become King of Israel. Then you will want a clean conscience and not the guilty conscience of a murderer. When you are king, please think of me and do good to me." David answered her, "Thank you so much for your presents. I thank God that He has sent you here today to prevent me from doing wrong and seeking revenge. Go back home in peace, without being afraid that I will kill your husband." Abigail got up very glad and relieved and headed home. When she arrived home, she discovered her husband was feasting with all his men. He was drunk as a skunk and that evening, she told him nothing of what she had done. It was only the next day that she told him about the food provisions she gave to David. Nabal grew so angry that he had a stroke right there and then, and became paralyzed. For ten days he could not move and then he had another attack and died. When David heard that Nabal was dead, he got anxious about Abigail. Just as she had asked, he thought about her and then sent messengers to ask her to marry him. She was very glad and immediately got ready, climbed on her donkey, took five maidservants with her, and went to David where she became his wife. [Picture of fruit divider] REMEMBER: When you find it hard to be kind to someone else, you must remember Jesus' great kindness toward you. THINK! 1. What was Abigail preparing for Nabal's feast? Name at least one dish. 2. How was David and his men kind to Nabal's servants? 3. Did Nabal return their kindness? 4. Who changed David's mind about attacking and killing Nabal and doing wrong? 5. How did Abigail convince David not to seek revenge on Nabal? [Picture of apple] A VERSE TO LEARN "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law" (Galatians 5:22-23). [Picture of grapes] ALTERNATE VERSE TO LEARN "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave us" (Ephesians 4:32). PRACTICAL APPLICATION To understand more about gentleness and kindness, take time to study about good manners and learn how to be polite. Being a gentleman or a young lady is more than just wearing neat clothing. It's about making people around you feel better about themselves. It's about giving grace to others when needed and knowing how to stand up for those who cannot do it for themselves. Have you been unkind to a sibling or parent, or friend or other person? Was there a reason you acted that way? It's high time to have a change of heart, ask forgiveness and be kind instead. God longs to help you with that, if you’ll only stop and ask Him. Name some ways to be kind to others. [After discussion:] Just as Abigail was kind to David, God wants you to treat others gently, showering them with kindness. Jesus showed you real kindness when He gave Himself as your Savior and chose you to become his child. As a child who loves his father and imitates Him, God wants you to love and imitate Him by gently showing kindness to your parents, siblings, family, friends and those whom God sends into your life. Let your gentle kindness shine as a bright light in this dark world. LET'S PRAY [Picture of Dog and boy praying] **************************************************** Heavenly Father, forgive me for being unkind. Teach me ways to let gentle kindness shine as a bright light in this dark world. In Jesus' Name. Amen. **************************************************** CAN YOU FIND THIS STORY IN THE BIBLE? 1 Samuel 25:1-44 Galatians 5:19-26 [Picture of peach] STORIES IN THIS SERIES: The Fruit of the Spirit Love Joy Peace Longsuffering Gentleness Goodness Faith Meekness Temperance [Picture of fruit divider] [Picture of crayons] Coloring: Gentleness Foolish Nabal and Wise Abigail coloring sheet Fruit of the Spirit: Gentleness Coloring Page Abigail coloring page David and Abigail coloring page David and Abigail color online Adventures of David Activity Book--Ages 8 to 10 [Picture of pear] Fruit of the Spirit Coloring Pages Fruit of the Spirit Reproducible Coloring Book, Ages 4-7 God Wants Us to Bear Good Fruit Growing as God's Child Coloring Book Fruit of the Spirit Tree Fruit Fruit of the Spirit Beginner's Bible Super-Duper Mighty Jumbo Coloring Book Bible Story Coloring Pages V2 Really Big Book of Bible Story Coloring Pages My Bible Coloring Book Children's Bible Coloring Books [Picture of child reading a story] David Meets Abigail (read online) King David Manga Melech: Manga #4, King David Power Bible: Bible Stories to Impart Wisdom, # 4 - David, Israel's Great King The Story of King David: A Spark Bible Story Abigail: The Belle of Bravery Choosing Kindness The Berenstain Bears: Kindness Counts Lolli and Pop Find Kindness: The Fruit of the Spirit Series [Picture of cherries] Fruit of the Spirit Arch Book Fruit of the Spirit Stories For Young Children — Humility and Faithfulness God Counts Series: 9 Fruits Alive Life Is an Adventure with Ernie The Fruit of the Spirit 365 Read-Aloud Bedtime Bible Stories 365 Activities For Kids: A Bible Story And Activity For Each Day Of The Year 100 Bible Stories 100 Bible Songs w/2 CD Beginner's Bible Bible in Pictures For Toddlers Bible stories Egermeier's Bible Storybook for Beginners Early Reader's Bible The Children's Illustrated Bible The Preschooler's Bible Toddler's Bible Pilgrim's Progress Comic Children's Books Spanish Children's Books The Picture Bible (also in Spanish ) [Picture of puzzle activity] Abigail's Offering Adventures of David Activity Book--Ages 8 to 10 Bible Heroes: Abigail worksheet Fill in the Blanks (KJV) Foolish Nabal and Wise Abigail crossword puzzle Foolish Nabal and Wise Abigail word search Nabal, David and Abigail discussion questions Games for Abigail story Kids Of Integrity - Gentleness activities [Picture of peach] Coded Bible Puzzle Crossword Puzzle Different Kinds of Fruit: Bible Wisdom and Fun for Today! Galatians 5: 22-23 Fruit of the Spirit Online Game Fruit of the Spirit Online Jigsaw Puzzle Online Animated Jigsaw Puzzle Online Animated Slide Puzzle Online Coded Bible Puzzle Online Fruit Basket to Arrange Online Hangman Online Word Search Online Word Search 2 Stickers: Fruit Of The Spirit Unscramble Word Search Best Book of Bible Activities Encyclopedia Of Bible Games For Children's Ministry The Humongous Book of Games for Children's Ministry The Super Sized Book of Bible Puzzles Memory Verse Games for Kids Big Book Of Bible Puzzles Bible Puzzles: Word Search Big Book Of Bible Story Activity Pages V1 Jumbo Bible Activity Book 4 Christian and educational toys Children's Activity Books Children's Puzzles Crossword Books Games Sticker Books [Picture of musical notes] Music Machine: The Fruit Of The Spirit CD—Gentleness [Picture of grapes] Fruit of the Spirit (sheet music/MIDI) I Want To Be Like Jesus (sheet music/MIDI) The Fruit of The Spirit Song/MIDI/CHORDS Fruit of the Spirit by Maranatha Kids Fruit of the Spirit Cadence Fruit of the Spirit [Music Download — Brentwood] Hide 'Em In Your Heart 1/Hide 'Em In Your Heart 2 CD (Steve Green) The Fruit Of The Spirit - Galatians 5:22 & 25 [Music Download — Steve Green] Music Machine: The Fruit Of The Spirit CD 100 Ways To Know God Loves Me & 100 Songs 100 Bible Stories 100 Bible Songs= Action Bible Songs Bible Songs on CD Bible Songs on DVD 100 Singalong Bible Songs For Kids 25 Favorite Sunday School Songs Children's Music [Picture of CDs and DVDs] Fruit of the Spirit Animation online Auto B Good Fruits of the Spirit DVD Character Builders 4: Thankfulness & Gentleness: Thankfulness: Benny's Wake-Up Surprise [Streaming Video Rental] Character Builders 5: Sharing & Kindness: Sharing: Benny Loves Fiddleberries [Streaming Video Purchase] Character Builders: 8-DVD Set David, God's Champion Hide 'Em In Your Heart 1/Hide 'Em In Your Heart 2 CD (Steve Green) Hide 'Em in Your Heart, Volume 2, DVD (Steve Green) Music Machine: The Fruit Of The Spirit CD Music Machine DVD Sunday School Songs (Cedarmont Kids) The Bedbug Bible Gang &: Pentecost Party! DVD The Donut Man: Barnyard Fun & On The Air, DVD The Story of David, DVD What's in the Bible? #5: Israel Gets a King! DVD The Beginner's Bible Box Set, 4 DVDs #1: Read and Share: The Ultimate DVD Bible Storybook God's Story from Creation to Eternity (listen & watch online) The Bible MiniSeries DVD Set The Jesus Storybook Bible Curriculum Kit Bible story DVDs Children's DVDs [Picture of crafts] Make Abigail's Donkey Fruit of the Spirit Bible Crafts: Gentleness [Picture of apple] Fruit Printing Fruit Basket (pdf) (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader ) Fruit of the Spirit Crafts Bible Crafts Bible Crafts & More (Ages 3-6) Bible Crafts On A Shoestring Budget: Paper Sacks & Cardboard Tubes (Reproducible: Ages 5-10) Big Book of Bible Crafts (Ages 3-12) Encyclopedia Of Bible Crafts For Preschoolers Praise God with Paper Plates (Reproducible: PreK-Grade 2) Really Big Book Of Cool Crafts For Kids w/CD-Ages 4-12 *RESOURCES FOR PARENTS AND TEACHERS* Bible Study on Kindness Foolish Nabel and Wise Abigail lesson resources Kids Of Integrity - Gentleness Kids Of Integrity - Kindness Home Life Ministries Character Journal: Gentleness The Fruit of the Holy Spirit — What is kindness? [Picture of pear] Fruit of the Spirit Story Ideas All-in-One Bible Fun: Fruit of the Spirit (Preschool edition) All-in-One Bible Fun: Fruit of the Spirit (Elementary edition) Faith Case Fruit of the Spirit The Fruit of the Spirit Bible story and activities Fruit Basket Upset -Fruit of the Spirit Game Experience the Fruit of the Spirit Fruit of the Spirit Characters Fruits of the Spirit and How We Can Show Them to Others Fruit of the Spirit Fruit Bowl Fruit of the Spirit The Fruit of the Spirit Lesson Plan Fruit of the Spirit Anagrams Fruit of the Spirit Name Tags Fruit of the Spirit Puppet/Skits Scripts Apple Snacks Chocolate Covered Strawberries Fruit Kabobs Fruit of the Spirit Pizza Fruit of the Spirit Game Please Pass The Fruit (Game) Fruit of the Spirit Necklace (Memory Tool) Fruit of the Spirit Bookmarks Fruit of the Spirit Bulletin Fruit Mix Discovery Bulletin Board Trimmer The Fruit Of The Spirit, Laminated Wall Chart Chunkie Pen, Fruit of the Spirit How to Simply Inspire Character Living Inside Out Kit: Bamboogie (Honoring God), Maze Days (Exodus), and Holy Grill (Fruit of the Spirit) PLUS Poster Pack, Summer 2017 801 Questions Kids Ask About God Absentee Postcards African American Resources Almost Every Answer for Practically Any Teacher Children's Ministry Bible Memory Games Bible Story Coloring Pages Vol. 2 The Jesus Storybook Bible Curriculum Kit Bible Crafts and Activities for Any Story Big Book of Bible Games Bulletin Board helps Chicken Soup for the Teacher's Soul Children's Sermon Church Nanny Sos: Teaching Discipline Essentials for Preschool Ministry Volunteers Church Supplies Closing Prayer FREE materials to Bible schools, Bible colleges, seminaries, churches, missionaries & individuals worldwide 52 Games That Teach The Bible Free educational videos God's Servants Teach Me God's Wisdom for Little Boys: Character-Building Fun from Proverbs Help! I'm a Sunday School Teacher How To Lead a Child To Christ King James Version Gift & Award Bibles Leading Little Ones to God: A Child's Book of Bible Teachings Lord Teach Me To Pray For Kids Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours Memory Verse Ideas Memory Verse Resources Object Talks Opening Prayer Parenting Resources Pray & Play Bible for Young Children Puppet Scripts Seven Laws of the Learner Spanish Resources Sunday school resources Talking to God Teachers' Reproducible Classroom Pages Teaching Children Memory Verses Ages 4-5 Teaching Children To Pray Ages 4-5 Teaching to Change Lives The Big Book of Bible Skits Things To Make Craft Activities Vacation Bible School What Every Sunday School Teacher Should Know [Picture of fruit divider] BIBLE STORY ARCHIVE http://childrenschapel.org/bibstory2.html Add/update a Bible story resource The Children's Chapel - Award-winning site, featuring Bible stories from a variety of authors, excellent Christian resources for children, and over 140 links to other Christian and family-friendly sites for kids Copyright (c) 2012-2022 by Linda Sue Pochodzay Edwards You may NOT re-post this Bible story. 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