The Father of our Faith - Part 4
Abraham: The Peacemaker
Colin Green

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been talking about Abraham—not just the big “faith moments,” but the practical lessons we can actually live out. Adrian reminded us how Abraham left a legacy of faith, stepping out when God said “go,” even without a blueprint. Then Rono unpacked that tough story of Abraham and Isaac, challenging us: is there anything in our lives we keep “off limits” from God?

This week we came to Genesis 13, where Abraham and Lot had so many flocks and herds that the land couldn’t support them. Their herdsmen began to quarrel, and Abram said:

What strikes me is that Abraham’s motivation wasn’t prosperity—it was peace. He could have pulled rank as Lot’s elder, but instead he humbled himself, gave Lot the first choice, and trusted God to bless him no matter what.

That’s the challenge for us. In our marriages, friendships, or families, when tension rises, are we motivated by winning—or by peace? Paul wrote, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18).

There are four big lessons for us out of this:

1. Address Tension (v6–7).
When there’s strain in relationships, ignoring it doesn’t make it disappear. Abraham didn’t let the quarrels fester—he faced the issue. We need to do the same, whether it’s in marriages, families, or friendships.

2. Motivation is Peace, not personal gain (v8).
Abraham could have asserted his authority as the elder, but instead he said, “Let’s not have any quarreling between you and me…for we are brothers.” His concern wasn’t who got the better land—it was keeping peace.

3. Humble Ourselves (v8b).
Abraham lowered himself, giving Lot first choice. Peacemaking often means laying down pride and creating level ground, not demanding our way.

4. Make Room for God (v14).
Only after Lot parted did God speak fresh promises: “Lift up your eyes…all the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever.” When we deal with tension and pursue peace, we clear the clutter that blocks us from hearing God.

Being a peacemaker isn’t about keeping quiet and avoiding conflict—that’s just peace-keeping. It’s about addressing tension honestly, humbling ourselves, and seeking reconciliation. Abraham shows us that when peace comes, it actually makes room for God. Only after Lot departed did God speak again to Abram, reaffirming His promises.

So here’s the invitation: address the tension, seek peace, and create space for God to move. Let’s be known not for winning arguments, but for being peacemakers who carry His presence into every relationship.