January 28

Commentary and reflection:

There are problems in all families, especially when it comes to money and property. How conflicts are handled has a great influence on family relationships and on your own peace of mind. It is crucial that in the family and in church we show a true Christian spirit.

8 So Abram 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.
Often, in the family, in church and in friendships, contrary to conventional wisdom, you win by losing.
9 Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me. 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
Dealing with his nephew, Abram demonstrated a noble and generous spirit. Although he was older, as a peace offering, he gave his young nephew the first choice to decide where he wanted to settle. Lot proved to be, in contrast, selfish by choosing what seemed best to him, “not all that glitters is gold”. Instead of consulting God and asking his uncle for advice, he made the decision that seemed most advantageous to him. He would soon face terrible consequences and Abram had to go rescue him from his captors.
Again, Abram shows his gratitude and faithfulness to God by giving his tithes to Melchizedek, priest of Salem.
This generosity and dedication to The Lord is not overlooked. God gives him the promise,
15 for all the land which you see I give to you and your [c]descendants forever. 16 And I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth; so that if a man could number the dust of the earth, then your descendants also could be numbered. Genesis 13:15,16
Your generosity and faithfulness won’t be overlooked, either.
The blessing of the God of Abram be upon you and your house on this day.

Pastor Abel Paulin