How to handle family crisis

Text: Genesis 13:1-18.

There are crises at different stages in life, and as children of God, we have to know how to handle them to maintain peace, because we have been called to be peacemakers.

Let us look at the story of Abraham and Lot in Genesis 13, after the incident in Egypt and Abraham and his caravan left Egypt and moved back to the land of Canaan. Abraham was very rich in livestock, silver and gold.

Now, Abraham and Lot had become so prosperous that they could not stay together in Canaan, because the land could not contain them, and also, the livestock and servants of Abraham and Lot were coming into conflict. So, it became essential for them to separate.

Abraham had to approach the matter with wisdom, so that the problem could be dealt with peacefully. He said to Lot, “Please, let there be no strife between you and me, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are brethren.” Genesis 13: 8.

So, he offered a solution to the problem, in verse 9, when he said: “Is there not the whole land before you? Please separate from me. If you take left, then I will go right or, if you go to the right, then I will go left.” So, Lot chose the best land, while Abraham ended up with the land that was less desirable.

The words of Jesus in Matthew 5:9 said if you are a peacemaker, you are blessed, meaning as Christians, we should seek to make peace at all times. It should be in our character to make peace. Then, Hebrew 12:14 says we are to ensure peace with all men. So, as Christians, our first priority anywhere there’s conflict or crisis is to ensure peace.

There are lessons to learn from how Abraham handled the matter.

Firstly, Abraham didn’t consider the fact that he was older than Lot, thereby taking advantage of the matter in a manner that would benefit him. Rather, he dealt with the matter in a way that would benefit Lot and himself.

Another lesson we should learn from Abraham is that he chose his words. He used kind words and he was gentle. He also laid emphasis that they are family and that there should not be strife. This is how we should be, dealing with people with gentleness and patience.

Lastly, Abraham was willing to bear loss for peace to reign. It meant nothing to him, if Lot took the best land for himself and for him(Abraham) to take the less fertile ground, as long as it brought peace.

In most cases, it is necessary for us to let go (sacrifice) for peace to reign. So, after the separation between Abraham and Lot, God came to Abraham, spoke with him and blessed him abundantly. There are times when you need to separate yourself from some people for God to take you to the next level, because until you are alone, God won’t speak to you. Check yourself and do the necessary separation, then God will visit you.

• Prophet (Dr.) Anene Nwachukwu (Oracle of God), Rhema Deliverance Mission Int’l. Inc. Rhema International Prophetic Centre Lasu-Igando Road, Church Pole Bus Stop, Beside Iba Police Station, Iba, Lagos.