ODJ: relative peace
May 23, 2013
READ: Genesis 13:1-18
Let’s not allow this conflict to come between us (v.8).
A 60 year old man, atop a tractor, charged at his 69 year old brother in law who was harvesting hay astride his own tractor. The collision resulted in a damaged tyre and the tractor-crasher’s arrest. One law enforcement official commented, “We’ve responded on prior occasions to calls because of differences between the families.” While it’s a bit unclear what the man hoped to accomplish by confronting and crunching his brother in law, the story shows that family feuds can escalate to ridiculous levels if they’re not resolved.
Abram and his nephew Lot needed to settle a family issue regarding farmland because the area where they lived “could not support both [of them]” (Genesis 13:6). Scuffles broke out between their herdsmen. “Finally, Abram said to Lot, ‘Let’s not allow this conflict to come between us’ ” (v.8). Abram bravely took the first step towards peace, noting the need for harmony since they were “close relatives”.
Humbly, Abram said to Lot, “Take your choice of any section of the land you want, and we will separate” (v.9). This offer showed that family relationships were more important to Abram than satisfying his self-interest. Imagine what might have happened if he had left Lot in a cloud of dust, yelling over his shoulder: Get lost, kid. I’m your elder, and I’ve got first choice on the prime real estate around here! Instead, Abram kept his word and allowed Lot to settle in the lush Jordan Valley, while he set up camp in Canaan (vv.11-12).
Abram’s actions show how humility, generosity and selflessness can help us navigate through rough spots with our relatives. Jesus said: “God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9).—Jennifer Benson Schuldt
Why is it sometimes difficult to make peace with family members? How might a Christian seek peace without becoming a pushover?
How have the wounds of life tried to break your spirit? How might God be using what happened to make you a more considerate and compassionate person?
I’d dare to say that I have a deep wound within. Wound that I am aware of yet I chose not to heal it. Therefore I ended up hurting others even my closest mate. I didn’t want that to happen but things just went out of control sometimes. However, the encouraging podcast “How God meets your deepest needs” from rickwarren.org changed my perspective on that deep wound of mine. I learnt that the best solution is not to continue to indulge in self pity and hurting others but to surrender my wound to God and break the wound of bitterness chain I got from my family.