Bible Study

Surviving Conflict

Conflict is inevitable in our fallen world. Therefore, it’s vitally important that we learn how to respond to strife correctly—especially if we want to develop long-term close relationships. The biblical account of the conflict between Abraham (then called Abram) and his nephew Lot provides a powerful example of how to trust the Lord in the midst of disagreement.

Begin the study by reading Genesis 13:1-18.

A. Abram was willing to address conflict directly.

• Why were the servants of Lot and the servants of Abram having difficulty getting along (vv. 7-8)?

   

• What did Abram suggest (vv. 8-9)?

   

B. Abram trusted the Lord to take care of his needs.

• Abram gave Lot permission to pick the land of his choice. What did his nephew decide (vv. 9-11)?

   

• Why do you think Abram could trust the Lord in this way instead of demanding that he get the most fertile land himself?

   

• Why was Lot’s choice not the best in the long run (vv. 12-13; 19:1-25)?

   

Lot’s decision may have indicated his misplaced priorities—he let greed motivate him instead of wisdom.

C. The Lord blessed Abram’s generosity.

• What promise did God reaffirm once the conflict was over (vv. 14-17)?

   

• Why might this promise have been difficult for Abram to believe (15:2)?

   

D. Abram didn’t let conflict change his commitment to Lot.

• When Lot was captured along with other residents of Sodom, how did Abram respond (14:14-16)?

   

• What does this indicate about Abram?

   

E. Application: Abram willingly offered Lot his choice of the land. Years later, the apostle Paul wrote, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others” (Phil. 2:3-4).

• What do you find most challenging about this biblical command, especially with regard to interpersonal conflicts?

   

• What are some reasons why believers can take the path of humility in conflict instead of always fighting to gain the upper hand (Luke 14:11; Phil. 4:11-13; 1 Peter 5:5-7)?

   

• Abram didn’t become bitter towards Lot after the conflict; in fact, he ran to the rescue when his nephew was in trouble. Do you have this same type of commitment to your family and close friends after disagreements with them? Why or why not?

   

• Read Matthew 5:22-24. Why do you think dissension negatively affects our relationship with God?

   

• Is there anyone with whom you need to reconcile? If so, what holds you back from seeking to resolve the conflict and/or asking his or her forgiveness?

   

Closing: Although disagreements are a part of life, believers can learn how to rely on God in the midst of conflict. Through depending on His guidance and ability, we can respond to conflict with integrity and avoid the poison of unforgiveness.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I don’t want anything to hamper my relationship with You. Help me be willing to address disagreements directly—making peace with others so I will have peace with you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.