2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
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HOW TO DEAL WITH CONFLICT?
NOV 29
Genesis 21:22-34
Memorise Romans 12:17-18 "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men"
HOW TO DEAL WITH CONFLICT?
After settling the domestic conflicts in his household, now Abraham was facing some conflicts with his neighbours – the people of Gerar. As Abraham prospered in the land, Abimelech (the king of Gerar), and his chief captain Phichol became concerned. They acknowledge that the cause of his success was God’s presence with him, for they remarked that "God is with thee in all that thou does" (Genesis 21:22). However, they wanted to protect their interests, to ensure that Abraham’s success would not cause him to one day decide to take over their whole country. Also, given the history that they had with Abraham, seeing his propensity for telling lies, they made Abraham promise never to deal falsely with them. Instead, they wanted an agreement that they would co-exist in peace, and have a mutual understanding of kindness between them. To this, Abraham readily agreed.
However, shortly after this, Abimelech’s servants were the ones who caused a dispute, for they violently took away a well belonging to Abraham. When Abraham confronted Abimelech of this, he insisted that he knew nothing of this. Abraham could have chosen to take offence at that, and demand some manner of compensation, or maybe even break off the agreement that they had. However, he chose to accept his argument, and instead made a covenant to establish the ownership of the well, and even made a further gift of seven ewe lambs to Abimelech to express his gratitude and also to serve as a token of peace between them. In so doing, Abraham was extending his hand of friendship to Abimelech, and took pains to ensure that there were no undercurrents of distrust or conflict between the two parties. This was done to clear the air and ensure that there was a lasting peace in this treaty that they had established. With all that settled, Abraham called the place Beersheba, which means "well of the oath" and planted a grove there and called upon the name of the LORD.
Through all this, Abraham acted wisely, cautiously and peaceably. He understood his place as a sojourner in a foreign land and that it was better to turn the other cheek, than to get angry and respond with pride and aggression. Even though he was wronged, he was the one who made the extra effort to soothe the conflict, did not recompense evil for evil, but instead endeavoured to live peaceably with his neighbour.
Thought: Is it right to insist on "my rights"?
Prayer: Lord, may I learn to live peaceably with all men.
Posted in Teens RPG
Genesis 21:22-34
Memorise Romans 12:17-18 "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men"
HOW TO DEAL WITH CONFLICT?
After settling the domestic conflicts in his household, now Abraham was facing some conflicts with his neighbours – the people of Gerar. As Abraham prospered in the land, Abimelech (the king of Gerar), and his chief captain Phichol became concerned. They acknowledge that the cause of his success was God’s presence with him, for they remarked that "God is with thee in all that thou does" (Genesis 21:22). However, they wanted to protect their interests, to ensure that Abraham’s success would not cause him to one day decide to take over their whole country. Also, given the history that they had with Abraham, seeing his propensity for telling lies, they made Abraham promise never to deal falsely with them. Instead, they wanted an agreement that they would co-exist in peace, and have a mutual understanding of kindness between them. To this, Abraham readily agreed.
However, shortly after this, Abimelech’s servants were the ones who caused a dispute, for they violently took away a well belonging to Abraham. When Abraham confronted Abimelech of this, he insisted that he knew nothing of this. Abraham could have chosen to take offence at that, and demand some manner of compensation, or maybe even break off the agreement that they had. However, he chose to accept his argument, and instead made a covenant to establish the ownership of the well, and even made a further gift of seven ewe lambs to Abimelech to express his gratitude and also to serve as a token of peace between them. In so doing, Abraham was extending his hand of friendship to Abimelech, and took pains to ensure that there were no undercurrents of distrust or conflict between the two parties. This was done to clear the air and ensure that there was a lasting peace in this treaty that they had established. With all that settled, Abraham called the place Beersheba, which means "well of the oath" and planted a grove there and called upon the name of the LORD.
Through all this, Abraham acted wisely, cautiously and peaceably. He understood his place as a sojourner in a foreign land and that it was better to turn the other cheek, than to get angry and respond with pride and aggression. Even though he was wronged, he was the one who made the extra effort to soothe the conflict, did not recompense evil for evil, but instead endeavoured to live peaceably with his neighbour.
Thought: Is it right to insist on "my rights"?
Prayer: Lord, may I learn to live peaceably with all men.
Posted in Teens RPG