“Long life to you!  Good health to you and your household!  And good health to all that is yours!”

1 Samuel 25:6

This greeting was offered from David to a man named Nabal.  Interestingly the name Nabal means, a fool.  Unfortunately his name prepared him for his ultimate downfall, his character was that of a fool.  He was a wealthy man, receiving blessings of great riches, yet he was a man without wisdom or grace.  Nabal has been described as a man with, “no sense of honour or honesty, he was churlish, cross and ill-humoured, he was evil in his doings.”  (christianity.com/bible/commentary)

All that David was trying to do in this passage was to offer a greeting of courtesy and to ask for some assistance.  Nabal however, was not prepared to accept this good will greeting from David.  It has been noted that Nabal was a man that insulted people and he had no respect for David.  Their relationship would be forever tarnished.  

Long Life is having Peace with Ourselves

Greed and power make for a very toxic life.  We see it daily as we watch the evening news.  How different things might have turned out between David and Nabal if they had just taken a moment to look at one another as brothers in need.  Once we let down our guard, accept that doing what is right is the most important thing we can do, only then we can live at peace with ourselves.     

Have you ever known someone who had the unwillingness to do what was right?  Throughout the Bible, we learn of those who chose to do what is right even in the midst of danger and we learn of those that chose to turn away from doing the right thing.

Today when our health is in question daily, wouldn’t it be lovely if you received this sweet blessing for you and your family.  No hidden agenda, no expectation, nothing more than a sincere greeting of good health and long life to you and your family, what a beautiful thing that would be.

Take some time today to think of a dear friend, family member, neighbor, or co-worker and send them a greeting of good health and long life, (maybe even a good bottle of wine too!)  Let’s celebrate each other today, and give thanks for our family, friends, and neighbors.  May your life be a reflection of the love of Christ today.  We love because he first loved us!

“We love because he first loved us.” 

1 John 4:19

For more inspiration and additional resources, go to the Resources page.