We Are Brethren

I love the statement made by Abram in Genesis 13:8 regarding the strife that existed between his camp and the camp of his nephew Lot. Abram said, “For we are brethren…”  Let there be no strife between us. To see that the strife had ceased Abram was willing to make a sacrifice.

“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.” Genesis 13:9

Abram said we are brethren and gave preference to his brother by allowing him to choose 1^st. Lot quickly chose what appeared to be the best of the 2 choices, however in due time he would find the well-watered land that is said to have been the garden of the LORD would cost him dearly. Nevertheless, Abram was willing to sacrifice to stop the strife. He was willing to forget what appeared to be the best and allow his brother to choose. There are many ways in which we may sacrifice to cause strife to cease but too often we fail. Why? Pride… It takes humility to sacrifice in the midst of strife. We should always ask, “What sacrifice can I make in order to have peace with my brethren?” Perhaps there is not anything we can do, but maybe there is. Never let pride be the reason strife continues but rather practice the humility of Abram and remember we are brethren.