Abraham and Lot, uncle and nephew respectively, have a problem: the shepherds of their respective flocks are fighting. As they have prospered and, therefore, the number of specimens has increased, their pastures have become small.

We read in the book of Genesis: “ And the earth could not support them to live together, because their possessions were so many that they could no longer live together < / em> ”(13,6).

Abraham has to present a proposed solution. He could assert his ascendancy over Lot, because he is older than him and because he is his uncle. But his proposal will be a solution because he does not seek to win over the other.

We continue reading: “ I beg you that there is no conflict between us, nor between my pastors and your pastors, because we are brothers. Is not the whole earth before you? I beg you to separate from me: if you go to the left, I will go to the right; and if to the right, I will go to the left “. (13,8-9).

Abraham begins the proposal with humility: “ I beg you ”; continues with wishes for peace: “ there is no strife “; and he finishes it off with the recognition of the fraternity: “ because we are brothers “.

It is really impressive to see how this humility leads Abraham to propose the simplest way, which at the same time becomes the most effective. The method is very easy, nothing complicated. It does not require studies or special technical means. Simply the agreement dialogued from generosity with the other and the desire for peace. It all comes down to remembering that the other has the same rights because he is my brother, he is the son of my Father God himself.

Here is the key to the solution, put God in the middle so that he gives us the gift of generosity that does not It seeks that there are winners or losers, with an agreement on the conflict that ends up benefiting everyone.

Let’s notice that Abraham, author of the proposal, makes it so easy for Lot that we can say that it serves him a very good deal on a tray.
a: “ if you go to the left, I will go to the right; and if to the right, I will go to the left ”.

Quique Fernández

School of Biblical Animation
Miracle Sound Radio