relationships (Genesis 26:26-33) Aim for Peace

(Genesis 26:26-33)  Then Abimelech came to him from Gerar with his adviser Ahuzzath and Phicol the commander of his army. 27 Isaac said to them, “Why have you come to me, since you hate me and have sent me away from you?” 28 They said, “We see plainly that the Lord has been with you; so we said, ‘Let there now be an oath between us, even between you and us, and let us make a covenant with you, 29 that you will do us no harm, just as we have not touched you and have done to you nothing but good and have sent you away in peace. You are now the blessed of the Lord.’” 30 Then he made them a feast, and they ate and drank. 31 In the morning they arose early and exchanged oaths; then Isaac sent them away and they departed from him in peace. 32 Now it came about on the same day, that Isaac’s servants came in and told him about the well which they had dug, and said to him, “We have found water.” 33 So he called it Shibah; therefore the name of the city is Beersheba to this day.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:  

Abraham and Isaac's lies regarding their wives only helped cause unnecessary contentions between them and the Philistines.  Even after we apologize to others for our mistakes, not only might the other party keep tabs of all our wrongdoings, but our own guilt-feelings can linger and cause extra uneasiness in our own lives.  The first peace we need to find in our lives is with the Lord!  This will then help us 'negotiate" peace with those around us.

We see the Philistines approaching Isaac with an, "Ah, whatever" kind of attitude.  Even though they might have hated and feared Isaac, they saw that it would be more to their own benefit to be at peace with him.  This is a good thing.  Even if someone is a known enemy, we should strive to be at peace with everyone, as Isaac was doing right here...

(Romans 12:14-21)  Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. 17 Never repay evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all people. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people. 19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written: “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.