Abigail Helps David Choose Peace

1 Samuel 25:11-35


Our story comes from the Bible. It is found in the part of the Bible called 1 Samuel ("First Samuel"). It is the first of two books in the Bible named after Samuel.

David and his men had been helping take care of some shepherds and their animals.

There was a man named Nabal who owned the animals. David asked Nabal to be kind and share some food.

But Nabal was not kind. He said “no” and spoke in a mean way.

David became very angry. He was ready to make a bad choice.

But Nabal had a wife named Abigail.

Abigail was wise and kind.

When she heard what happened, she quickly gathered food and went to see David.

Abigail spoke gently to David. She said, “Please choose what is right. Do not hurt anyone.”

David listened to Abigail.

David stopped being angry. He chose peace instead.

David said, “Thank you for helping me make a good choice.”

Jesus helps us see this clearly.

Jesus teaches us to be gentle, to use kind words, and to choose peace.

Key Takeaway for Preschoolers

We can use kind words and choose peace.


Dear God,

Thank You for teaching us to be kind and gentle. Help us to use kind words and make good choices. Help us to choose peace, even when we feel upset. We love you, God.

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.





Bible Verse: “A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another.” — John 13:34, BSB

Paraphrase: Jesus says, “Love each other the way I love you.”



Activities

These activities help preschoolers engage with the story through movement, crafts, music, and storytelling, making the lesson fun and memorable.


1. Kind Words Practice

Objective: To help children learn to use gentle and kind speech.

Materials: None 

Activity: Practice saying kind phrases together such as “Please,” “Thank you,” “I’m sorry,” and “Can I help you?” Encourage children to repeat and role-play simple situations.

Talk About It: “How do kind words make others feel?”


2. Peace Path Game

Objective: To reinforce choosing peaceful actions.

Materials: Two signs: “Kind Choice” and “Not Kind” 

Activity: Call out scenarios (e.g., “sharing,” “yelling,” “helping,” “pushing”). Children walk toward the “Kind Choice” or “Not Kind” sign.

Talk About It: “What kind of choices did Abigail help David make?”
 

3. “Choose Peace” Song (Musical Activity)

Tune: Are You Sleeping? (Frère Jacques) (Public Domain)

Objective: To help children remember to choose peace.

Materials: None

Activity: Teach the children the song. Encourage gentle motions like placing hands over the heart or opening hands outward.

Song Lyrics:

        Choose peace, choose peace,
        Every day, every day,
        Use kind words and gentle hearts,
        Use kind words and gentle hearts,
        Choose peace, choose peace.

Talk About It: “When can we choose peace?”


4. Calm Down Practice

Objective: To help children learn how to pause when upset.

Materials: None 

Activity: Teach children to take a deep breath, count to three, and place their hands on their hearts when they feel upset.

Talk About It: “What can we do when we feel angry?”

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Story illustrations are the copyright of James M. Thomas. All rights reserved.
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