Handling Strife

Today’s Bible verse is Proverbs 20: verse 3.
“It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.”

This amazing verse infers that we always have a choice. Admittedly sometimes we don’t. Sometimes the other person will not try at all. What do you do when it does not seem it is up to you. Paul said, “If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18)

I want you to remember one Bible story about a time when strife was hard to handle.
In the story of Abraham and Lot, there was strife everywhere. Abraham’s servants and Lot’s servants argued all the time. The strife became so great that it had to be handled. Abraham told Lot, “Please separate from me. If you go to 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).

From reading the Bible we know how it ended. Lot looked at the land and picked the best land for himself. Abraham was left with the second choice. In the story, Abraham accepts second choice and gave the rich land to Lot.

Imagine what it might have been if Abraham had been a lesser person. Maybe he would have said, “Are you crazy Lot? You ought to defer to me. I am your uncle. Without me, you would have nothing.” Of course we know he did not and God worked it all out for him.

So, how do you handle strife? Sometimes you separate, or give in. Just don’t demand your own way. Remember, fools are “quick to argue.”

I’m Lonnie Davis
And these are thoughts worth thinking.