Monday, 3rd July 2023
Alex Buabeng-Korsah
TOPIC: DEALING WITH STRIFE AND FRICTION
THEME SCRIPTURE: “And Abram said unto Lot, let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and you, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are brethren.” – Genesis 13:8
PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:
- What causes strife between people?
- How can strife be dealt with among believers?
Abram (who became Abraham) had brought his nephew, Lot, along on a journey God told him to embark on. Having arrived in the land of Canaan, they multiplied their possessions. As nomads, they had cattle, sheep, and goats, which were considered assets (Gen 13:5). These animals necessitate a large amount of pasture. Not so long after, Abram's herdsmen and those of Lot began to fight over the scarce pasture in the land. The quarrels and arguments between the herdsmen were growing day by day, and it began to affect the relationship between two people who were of the same family (Gen 13:7).
As depicted in the case of Abram and Lot, competition is always the root of strife.
Lot’s herdsmen were not interested in what happens to Abram’s cattle, and the inverse is true. So they began to contend and compete. In marriage, when the husband and wife fail to see themselves as a team but as competitors, strife is inevitable. Similarly, in the workplace, when colleagues fail to see themselves as players on the same team trying to achieve a common organisational goal, strife and unhealthy competition emerge. Hatred can also stir up strife in a relationship (Prov 10:12), as can the one who is a gossip, a slanderer or proud (Prov 26:20, Prov 28:25)
When strife comes along, precious one, something needs to be done. It takes a person of honor to realize the need to resolve strife (Prov 20:3), and Abram (the senior member) took that initiative.
Being the one who received the call to go to Canaan and the one who bent the rules to bring Lot along, Abram could have approached this strife by giving Lot the option to either shape up or ship out. But rather, he humbly made a concession—"Let’s separate, and whichever direction you go, I will go the opposite direction”, Abram said (Gen 13:9).
Beloved, Jesus gave us simple instructions to help us live in peace with all men. In other words, we are not supposed to strife with other believers or with unbelievers.
Hence, Jesus instructed us to refrain from “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” (Matt 5:38). Instead, we should not resist evil (Matt 5:39). Just as Abram gave Lot the opportunity to choose, and his nephew chose the best part of the land for his flocks, we should choose to let go or be defrauded (1 Cor 6:7). If someone hits you on the left cheek, turn to him the right cheek (Matt 5:39). If any man sues you in court for your shirt, add to it the jacket (Matt 5:40). If someone compels you to go a mile, go two miles (Matt 5:41). Where there is strife and contention, there is also pride and carnality. Beloved, may we be humble at all times to live above strife and contention. Then will we abound more and more in His grace (James 4:6). God bless you more.
FURTHER READING – 1 Corinthians 6:1-8
Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:
- Is there a strife between you and someone – your sibling, work colleague or neighbor?.
- Will you heed to the word of God today and humbly reach out to resolve it?
CONFESSION
Eternal Father, you will always resist the proud. But to the humble you give more grace. I submit myself to your word and I choose to let go all contentions and strife in my life. I receive your wisdom and courage to face and live above every form of contention, in Jesus’ name. hallelujah!
1-Year Bible Reading Plan
1 Samuel 15; Isaiah 59; Matthew 3; Matthew 4
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