Central Truth

Satan often creates conflict to try to tear us apart as brothers and sisters in Christ. However, by calling on the Lord, we can come to a resolution with peace and love.

---

Reflections

God has shown me an incredible example of unity between brothers in Christ. Quarreling had broken out between the brothers' herdsmen. Since the area was too small for them to all stay together, the resolution for the conflict was to part ways.

God has shown me two great things Abram does that illustrate how we should live in relationship with both Christ and each other. One of the key things that God showed me was that Abram's only motivation was to restore unity in the midst of a conflict that could have damaged his relationship with Lot. God pointed out to me that Abram didn't try to place blame or mention whether he thought his men were in the right.

When I face conflict in my relationships, my initial concern is usually that I believe I am in the right, and I tend to act out of selfishness and pride. In verse 9, Abram says, "Let's part company. If you go to the left, I'll go to the right; if you go to the right, I'll go to the left." Abram does not show any selfishness or frustration over the conflict. Instead, out of love for God and love for his brother, he seeks to end the quarreling in order to maintain the relationship he has with Lot.

Satan often uses conflict and disagreements to tear us apart as brothers and sisters in Christ. Through this devotional, God has shown me that, when faced with a conflict, my concern should be, "How can we rationally and lovingly end this quarrel?"

The second key thing God showed me is that this scene took place where Abram first built the altar, and verse 4 says, "There Abram called on the name of the Lord." Immediately after, Abram is confronted with the quarreling. I believe that the time spent with God allowed Abram to peacefully split the land with his brother. Since we now have direct access to God, we can ask Him to guide us through conflicts, and only by calling on Him can we do so peacefully and lovingly.

---

Discussion Questions

1. How do you typically react when confronted by conflict with friends and/or family?

2. Is your initial reaction to ask God what you should do?

3. Have you ever taken a problem you were facing to God, and instead of changing your situation, He changes your heart/attitude?

4. It is easy to get caught up in an argument or disagreement, because naturally, we all assume that we know best. Have you ever stopped yourself in the middle of an argument and asked God if you are in the wrong, or asked Him how you should handle the situation?

5. How might it change the way we feel and act in the midst of conflict if we ask God to give us a clear vision of the situation before addressing the problem?

---