05
Humility in Conflicts
Rod ShimabukuroThe LORD said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, “Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward, [15]for all the land that you see I will give to you and to your offspring forever. Genesis 13:14-15
The strife between Abram and Lot’s herdsmen led them to separate their camps. Their possessions, livestock, tents were great in number and did not accommodate the strife/division occurring between the 2. Abram allowed Lot to choose the land he wanted to occupy - and he (Abram) would live in the other land. It seemed that Abram was sensitive to relationships as kinsmen, not wanting strife and division to continue among their families, servants. Was it more about the relationship than the goals, fruitfulness, inheritance for Abram?
On another note, was jealousy, territorialism getting the best of the herdsmen? I’m sure the situation wasn’t a one time dispute. I wonder how many conversations Lot and Abram had about their issues involving the herdsmen? They may have had a few conversations or disputes about their personal issues involving their possessions, flocks, etc.
The Lord once again, assured Abram in v. 14-15 of His involvement and leadership over Abram, his families and His people’s future.
I will live and think differently by resolving conflict, disputes, feelings of division with humility. I would like to trust God by not manipulating circumstances or my subtle hints or expressions that are motivated by selfish desires. When I feel mistreated, misrepresented in any circumstance, I would like to respond as Abram did - giving ”the other person“ the benefit of doubt.
Dear Spirit of God.
Thank You for Your conviction within my heart - for moving me to repentance for impure motives that lead to subtle manipulation. Please forgive me for not settling internal tensions and sins with humility. Humility and Trust - is what I long for and need!
