How Faith Influences Relationships

How Faith Influences Relationships

Genesis 13:2-18

Faith enables us to love people with generosity and grace.

Faith does not insulate us from real-life differences. (5-7)

Faith seeks peace. (8a)

Faith provides freedom to value relationships. (8b)

Faith offers generous solutions. (9)

Faith entrusts others to God. (10-13)

Faith continually trusts God with the future. (2-4, 14-18)

For the Next Lesson – Genesis 13:5-18

1.Warm-up. Why does faith, trust in God, affect our generosity? The way we resolve conflict? The way we treat others?

2.Read verses 5-7. Where were Abram and Lot living at the time (see vs. 1-4)? What was their financial situation? What situation arose and why?

3.Read verses 8-13. How would you describe Abram’s heart and attitude toward Lot? What was Abram’s solution for their problem? How did Lot go about choosing which land he would take, and what was the result of this choice? How would you compare and contrast the attitude of Lot with the attitude of Abram? What do you think enabled Abram to make this generous resolution with Lot (look to other verses in chapter 13 for help)?

4.Read verses 14-18. How did God affirm Abram’s decision to allow Lot to choose the land? What commands did God give Abram? What promises did God make to Abram? How do these promises compare with the promises made to Abram in chapter 12? What impact do you think these promises had on Abram’s interaction with Lot? What did Abram do in verse 18? Why is this significant?

5. So what. How does your faith, trust in God, affect your generosity… your approach to resolving conflict… help you to be others-focused rather than self-focused? In which of these three areas (generosity, resolving conflict, selflessness) could increased faith help you to grow most? How can you grow in applying your faith to this area of growth?