Conflict Resolution - Abram And Lot

Finally Abram said to Lot, “Let’s not allow this conflict to come between us or our herdsmen. After all, we are close relatives!”

Genesis 13:8

High in the Andes Mountains on the border between Argentina and Chile is a statue called Christ of the Andes. It represents a pledge between the two countries that as long as the statue stands, peace will reign between them.

Shortly after the statue was dedicated, the Chilean people began protesting that they had been snubbed because the statue faced Argentina and had its back to their country. As tempers flared in Chile, a Chilean newspaperman soothed their anger by saying, “The people of Argentina need more watching over than the Chileans.”

The ability to resolve conflict is an important people skill for any man to have and one that Abram ably demonstrated when he deftly avoided a potentially serious conflict between himself and his nephew Lot.

Lot had accompanied Abram out of Egypt and into Canaan, where they both pitched their tents and began tending their animals. The conflict arose when Abram’s and Lot’s herdsmen began arguing among themselves. There wasn’t enough quality pastureland to support both men’s huge herds.

Abram took the first step in resolving this conflict by recognizing the problem and talking to Lot about it. He told him that the bickering between their herdsmen had to stop before it spilled over into their relationship. His second step was to offer Lot the choice of whatever portion of land he wanted. Abram would take what was left.

Abram gave Lot first choice of the land around them. When Lot took the land he wanted, the two went their separate ways for a time.

Problem solved!

Abram gave Lot the first choice because he was more concerned with maintaining a good relationship with his nephew than with building his own wealth. Abram knew that God would continue to bless him—and his relationship with Lot—no matter where he settled.

Conflicts are inevitable in human relationships, but you take an all-important step in resolving them when you recognize that the people close to you are far more important—to God and to you—than the issue that caused you to butt heads.