Our Approach

Imagine two young children tugging at the same toy, each pulling harder and harder with a view to having it. Angry words may accompany the struggle until finally one relinquishes his hold or someone else intervenes.

The Genesis account tells us that Abraham heard that an argument had taken place between his herders and those of his nephew Lot. Abraham took the initiative to approach Lot and say:  " Please do not let any quarreling continue between  me and you and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen, for we  men are brothers."  It was Abraham's determination not to let any conflict damage their relationship.  At what price?   He was ready to sacrifice his privilege of choice as the older man; he was prepared to give something up.  Abraham allowed Lot to select where he wised to take his household and his flocks. Lot subsequently chose for himself the verdant area of Sodom  and Gomorrah. Abraham and Lot parted company in peace. -Genesis 13:5-12. 

To maintain peaceful relations with others, are we prepared to act in the spirit that Abraham did?  This Bible episode sets for a beautiful model to imitate when handling a difference. Abraham appealed:  "Do not let any quarreling continue." Abraham's genuine desire was to arrive at an amicable solution.  Surely, such an invitation to keep peaceful relations would help set aside any misunderstanding. Abraham then concluded with the expression "for we men are brothers."  Why sacrifice such a precious relationship for the sake of personal preference of pride? Abraham kept a clear focus on what was important. He did so with self-respect and honor, at the same time dignifying his nephew. 

While situations arise where outside intervention may be required in order to resolve a difference, hos  much better if a matter can be resolved privately!  Jesus encourages us to take the initiative in making peace with out brother, apologizing if necessary.  (Matthew 5:23, 24) It will require humility, or lowliness of mind, but Peter wrote:  "Gird yourselves with lowliness of mind toward one another , because God opposes the haughty ones, but he gives undeserved kindness to the humble ones." (1 Peter 5:5)   The way we treat fellow worshipers has a direct bearing on our relationship with God. -1 John 4:20. 

Withing the Christian congregation, we may be called upon to relinquish a right in order to maintain peace. A goodly number of those now associating with Jehovah's Witnesses have  come into God's family of true worshipers in the last five years.  What joy this brings to our hearts!  the way we comport ourselves  surely affects these and others in the congregation.  This is a good reason for giving careful thought to our choice of entertainment, hobbies, social pastimes, or employment, considering how others may perceive us. Could any of our actions or words be misunderstood and thus be a cause for stumbling others?

The apostle Paul reminds us:  "All things are lawful; but not all things are advantageous. All things are lawful; but not all things build up. Let one keep seeking, not his own advantage, but that of the other person." (1 Corinthians 10:23, 24) As Christians, we are genuinely concerned with building us the love and unity of the Christian brotherhood. -Psalm 133:1; John 13:34, 35. 

Next time: Healing Words

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000