For the Sake of Peace

Daily Devotional – Thursday, February 22, 2024
If you take the left, then I will go to the right; or, if you go to the right, then I will go to the left.
Genesis 13:9 (NKJV)

Owing to their increasing material possessions and conflicts between Abraham’s and Lot’s herdsmen, the older man had to take action. The land belonged to Abraham. He had the right to order Lot to leave. However, in the name of peace, he did the unthinkable.

If You Go Right, I Will Go Left

Contrary to human tendencies and expectations, though, Abraham made Lot an offer. He said, “If you take the left, then I will go to the right; or, if you go to the right, then I will go to the left.” (Genesis 13:9). Abraham risked losing part of his inheritance. Indeed, Lot chose the fertile Jordanian valley and left the unattractive areas to his uncle.

Abraham acted cowardly by human standards. From a divine point of view, though, he acted wisely. Considering “the Canaanites and the Perizzites then dwelt in the land” (verse 17), a conflict, especially a violent one, between these two rich men would have brought disrepute to Jehovah and exposed God’s people to armed attacks by the enemy.

For the Sake of Peace

In both the temporal and spiritual spheres, there are times when ‘cowardice’ is preferable to confrontation. Walking away diffuses tension, smothers conflict, engenders peace, and averts the soiling of God’s Name. If going to the left and losing some privileges is what will bring harmony, be like Abraham. Be a weakling for the sake of peace.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, grant me the wisdom and courage to walk away from conflict whenever necessary, for the sake of peace and for the sake of Your Name.