Now Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold…And Lot, who went with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents, so that the land could not support both of them dwelling together, for their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together, and there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock…Then Abram said to Lot, “Let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we are kinsmen. Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right, or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left.” (13:2, 5-10)
Abram was a peacemaker. Even though Lot was his nephew, and it is written, “And Lot, who went with Abram…” Abram was the senior here, and it would be for him and not Lot to choose which land to take, but Abram gave him the choice. It was not a little thing for him to surrender control and the privilege he had as the elder. Let’s picture this a moment: This land over here looks fine, but that land…oh my! It’s “well watered everywhere like the garden of the Lord” (Genesis 13:10). Lot did what most of us would do: given the choice, he took what appeared to be the better land. (As we find out later, it didn’t end up going very well for him.)
This wasn’t a situation where Lot took everything, and Abram had nothing – they both had plenty – Lot just took the land that appeared far better. And Abram was content with what he had. But God…as always, God took care of Abraham.
Being a peacemaker for others often involves helping two individuals or parties to hear/understand each other’s point of view. Being a peacemaker when oneself is involved, is similar: one needs to listen well to the other person and express oneself well (and calmly). Sometimes it might involve a degree of sacrifice or giving up of something and here, as always, one wants to be walking in step with God. One doesn’t want to enable someone who repeatedly acts in a selfish or abusive manner, as that isn’t ultimately helpful or loving to that person.
“Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9).
Prayer: Lord, may I be content with what I have, all gifts from Your hand. May I be a peacemaker. Amen.
