📖 PART 6 – THE STRIFE: CHOOSING PEACE OVER YOUR RIGHTS
Bible Study for the Series: ABRAHAM – THE FATHER OF FAITH
✝️ Main Scripture Text: Genesis 13:5‑9
Supporting Cross‑References: Hebrews 12:14; Matthew 5:9; Proverbs 18:19; Philippians 2:3‑4; Romans 12:18
📜 Opening Background
Abram has just returned from Egypt, been restored at the altar in Bethel, and is walking in the blessing of the Lord. Both Abram and Lot had grown very wealthy in cattle, silver, and gold. The land could no longer sustain all their livestock together. Conflict broke out between Abram’s herdsmen and Lot’s herdsmen. Strife, quarrelling, and division entered the camp of the blessed. Even after restoration and blessing, conflict will arise between family, ministry partners, and those close to you. Abram’s response to this strife gives us a powerful lesson on humility, peacemaking, and what it means to lay down our rights for the sake of unity.
📖 Verse‑by‑Verse Breakdown
Genesis 13:5‑7 – Strife breaks out
“And Lot also, which went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents. And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together. And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram’s cattle and the herdmen of Lot’s cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land.”
Notice the important detail: the Canaanite and Perizzite were watching. The unbelievers, the world, were observing the people of God. When strife and fighting break out among believers, the world watches and mocks our testimony. The quarrel was over grazing land, resources, space — common everyday issues. It started among the servants, but it affected the whole household. Small disagreements, left unaddressed, will grow into major division.
Genesis 13:8‑9 – Abram steps forward to make peace
“And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren. Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.”
Abram was the elder, the one with the covenant promise from God. Legally and culturally, he had every right to pick the best land for himself first and send Lot to the lesser portion. Instead, he set aside his rights, his seniority, and his privilege. He called them “brethren” — family. He offered Lot the first choice of the land. This was an act of profound humility. Abram valued their relationship and their united testimony above getting what he was entitled to.
💡 Key Biblical Lessons for the Believer (Practical Application)
Lesson #1: Blessing and prosperity can bring new conflict
Many people think once God blesses you, everything will be smooth. Abram was rich, blessed, restored, yet strife came. Increase brings new pressures, new needs, new disagreements. Do not be shocked when conflict arrives in your season of blessing. It is another test of your spiritual maturity.
Lesson #2: Unresolved strife ruins your Christian testimony
The unsaved Canaanites were watching. When believers fight, argue, and compete against each other, we dishonour the name of Jesus. Our unity is our witness to the world (John 13:35). Guard your testimony. Do not let small disagreements become public fights for everyone to see.
Lesson #3: You have every right to something, but God may ask you to lay it down
Abram had every right to choose first. You may be right in an argument, you may deserve the promotion, the recognition, the apology, the better deal. But sometimes God calls you to surrender your rights for peace. Philippians 2:3‑4 says, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” Maturity is knowing when to be right and when to make peace.
Lesson #4: Address strife quickly before it spreads
The fight started with the herdsmen. Abram did not ignore it and hope it would go away. He stepped in immediately. Do not brush off small quarrels in your home, church, workplace, or ministry. Small sparks of strife can burn down entire relationships. Address it calmly, prayerfully, and quickly.
Lesson #5: Peacemakers are the children of God
Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” Abram was a peacemaker. It is easy to join the fight, to argue your case, to demand your rights. It takes spiritual strength to be the one who says, “Let there be no strife between us.” God honours the peacemaker.
🙏 Personal Reflection & Group Discussion Questions
1. Is there strife, quarrelling, or tension in my relationships right now? Family, church, work, ministry?
2. Am I fighting for my “rights” in a situation where God wants me to lay them down for peace?
3. How is my behaviour during conflict affecting my testimony before unbelievers who are watching me?
4. Have I ignored a small disagreement, allowing it to grow bigger over time?
5. What is one step I will take this week to be a peacemaker in my conflict situation?
🤲 Closing Prayer for Part 6
Father God, teach me to be a peacemaker like Abraham. Help me to lay down my pride and my desire to always be right. Give me wisdom to resolve conflict quickly, to protect my testimony, and to treat the people around me with love and humility. Remind me that the blessing of unity is far greater than winning an argument. In Jesus’ name, amen.
