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Gentleness vs Dissension

Bible story: Abraham and Lot separate Genesis 13:1-18

Theme Verse: Ephesians 4:2

We are learning about the fruits of the Spirit. Galatians chapter 5 also has a list of the fruits of the flesh. They are actions to make ourselves feel happy, regardless of how they may impact others. One of the sins of the flesh is dissension, the sin we are studying this week. In reality, a dissension is just a disagreement, except that it often leads to discord. It is a dispute or conflict or a fight with someone because we do not agree with them.

It is natural that we will not always agree with those around us. But it is important that we learn how to respect one another and at times, allow disagreements without fighting. If we start a fight or refuse to work with others, then we are in sin. It might not seem like a huge sin, but God included it in the list of sins in Galatians, along with other sins like witchcraft, drunkenness, and immorality! If God chose to include dissensions in this list of sins, I think we should assume that it matters to God.

In today’s Bible story, Abraham shows us a good way to handle fighting. Abraham and Lot both had large families and large flocks and herds of animals. They were trying to travel and live near one another, but they were too large, and the land could not support both groups. The Bible says that quarreling broke out between their herdsmen. Abraham and Lot found themselves in a problem where people under them were fighting, and it was their responsibility to do something about it.

They decided to live farther apart so that the land could sustain them both. They didn’t fight about it, but Abraham let Lot choose first where to live. Once Lot chose, Abraham went in the other direction. They separated a distance, and each man was able to live on enough land for their large family and herds.

What Abraham did is not easy to do. He let the other person have their way. If we are going to win against the sin of dissension, we need to let others have their way and avoid getting into fights.

Can you be like Abraham and let others choose their way?

Questions:

Name a disagreement you had this week. When was it, and with whom?

Can you remember an instance where you let someone else have their way?

Is it ok to always be right, if you were trying to help?

Life Application:

Allow another person to win when you disagree over something. You can choose to disagree, but you must stop yourself from fighting with them over it. Allow them to have their opinion.