“So, Abram said to Lot, ‘Please let there be no strife between you and me, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are brethren’ ” (Genesis 13:8).
All families have squabbles. Siblings argue over whose turn it is to do the dishes. Spouses disagree on how much to spend on an upcoming vacation. Normal homes have arguments. But not all disputes have to be destructive. There are constructive ways to handle disagreement.
Common tips on conflict resolution include things like staying calm, being respectful, focusing on the problem, and wrapping up the argument. Disagreements that turn nasty often are fuelled by people “losing it” emotionally, calling each other names, attacking the other person’s character, or withdrawing.
Abraham and Lot at one time were ripe for a major blowout. When their herdsmen could not find enough pasture for their livestock, strife rose up among them. In other words, they were fighting. Notice how Abraham, who was Lot’s uncle, took the initiative to resolve the conflict. He began by reminding his nephew that they were family.
In a rather unusual move, the elder man, who certainly deserved more respect and first choice, offered to let his younger relative choose in which part of the land to dwell. Abraham generously allowed Lot to have his pick. “Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me. If you take the left, then I will go to the right; or, if you go to the right, then I will go to the left” (Genesis 13:9).
The proposal was not fair. After all, God promised Abraham the land. Lot simply came along for the ride. But the elder relative showed nobility of character. The father of Israel was a man of peace and freely laid down his rights.
Abraham’s act reminds us how Christ brought peace to our earth when He willingly laid down His life for us. It wasn’t fair. It was love.
Dear Jesus, thank You for readily taking less so that I could have more.
For Further Study: Genesis 13; Romans 12:10; Philippians 2:4