Theme: BE YE WISE AS SERPENTS AND HARMLESS AS DOVES
Text: “And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren.” – Genesis 13:8.
Comment: In obedience to the commandment of God to leave his father’s house to a promised land, Abraham went along with his wife Sarah, and nephew Lot. (Genesis 12:1-5; 13:1) The Almighty God greatly blessed Abraham and his nephew Lot. “And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold. And Lot also, which went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents.” (Genesis 13:2, 5) The prosperity was such that “… the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together. …there was strife between the herdmen of Abram’s cattle and the herdmen of Lot’s cattle…” – Genesis 13:6,7.
The text for today highlights the wisdom and selflessness displayed by Abraham who further proposed: “Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.” Lot who was the younger did not object but chose the plain of Jordan towards Sodom and Gomorrah. – Genesis 13:9.
Peace and conflict resolution in marriages, homes, communities and organizations, nations, etc. requires that the parties involved should show high level of maturity, self-denial, and selflessness as Abraham did. Scripture says: “… Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” – Romans 12:17-21. See also 1 Corinthians 6:7.