Abram's Example

When we come to Genesis 13, God has instructed Abram to leave his homeland and go to Canaan.  Abram, Sari, and his nephew, Lot, settle in Canaan until a famine forces them to move to Egypt.  In Genesis 13:1-12, Abram, Lot, and their households have returned to Canaan from Egypt.  They settle in the land between Bethel and Ai.  Both Abram and Lot were blessed with great possessions, including an abundance of livestock.  Because the land is not sufficient enough to support the feeding and watering of both Abram’s and Lot’s livestock, there arises a conflict between their herdsmen.

Reflect on Abram’s response to the quarrel between the two households.

Lesson:

• We learn by Abram’s example that we can resolve some conflicts by placing the interest of others ahead of our own interests. (reference Philippians 2:3-4)
• We learn that we should keep the big picture in mind.  Abram realized that being family was more important than winning the argument and being right.  When we disagree, are we so focused on proving our point that we miss the big picture? 
• Abram sought a solution early.  We often wait until something gets on our last nerve before we address the issue.  This makes the conflict worse than it would be if we would have addressed the issue when it arose.

​Reflect on what healthy conflict looks like? How should children express their differences with their parents?  How should parents express their differences with their children?  How should siblings express their differences with each other? How should adults in the family handle conflict.