JANUARY 21: “CHOOSING PEACE OVER STRIFE”

The last time we met Abraham, he was in Egypt. After his return to Canaan from his disastrous trip to Egypt, a conflict arises between him and his nephew Lot. It was a conflict that had serious problems and had to be resolved. Just like Abram, there are times in life when conflicts and troubles will arise because of strains in our relationships. How we deal with those conflicts and troubles reveals more about our character than we want to admit. What you are when the pressure is on is what you really are.

The text for today details for us, the source of the conflict. Every conflict will have a source. For Abraham and his nephew, the problem was (vv. 5-6), both Abram and Lot had gained immense wealth and power. That is not the problem; the issue is when wealth and power begin to control us. Then Abraham came up with the solution. So, Abraham displays a loving, gracious spirit when he deals with Lot. He gives a two-fold reason as to why they should live in peace.

Secondly, he said we are brethren. The lesson for us today is that alignment sometimes means letting go. Abraham had to let go and it involved a Price for Peace (v. 9). Abram willingly gave up his rights as the elder of the family. He could have chosen first, but he yielded to Lot. He willingly placed Lot’s happiness, wishes, and rights ahead of his own. This is the type of sacrifice that the Lord is calling us to make today, to make room for peace. The scriptures say in Romans 12:18 “… as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” As you step out today, pray for peace, pursue peace and purposefully position yourself to be an agent of peace.

PRAYER: Our Father, we thank you for the relationships you have given us, help us to nurture it and where there are strains, help us to heal them. Like Abraham, help us to know when to let go, so that our lives can always align with God’s purpose, Amen.