Some people loathe it. Some people like it. Confrontation can be a messy business. Motives, manner, messages and timing provide mixed results. It’s hard to know if we’re saying something right. It’s hard to know how another person will receive what we are saying. Even when confrontation is loving and well done, there is a risk involved. Receiving a confrontation is also tricky. Our natural tendency is to be defensive, to justify our actions, or at worst, to attack. Confrontation, on either the giving or receiving end, is going to happen if we live in community. Sometimes, we need it! Sometimes, we need to do it. There are a number of Bible passages about this subject, some that state the principles directly and some passages illustrate. The story of Abigail and David illustrates. David was bent on destroying Nabal’s household, but Abigail intervened. She confronted David and his troops while they were on their way to do their deed. Because she took initiative and because he listened, lives were saved, and David’s reputation remained intact. For confrontations to go well, tender hearts and clear minds are necessary. This story about David and Abigail may well help us with both.