Better to think the best of people and occasionally be disappointed than end up being a professional cynic.
At the end of Genesis 21, we have one more incident between Abraham and Abimelech. You remember Abraham had to learn the hard way that one of the first principles in neighborly relations is to deal with people in good faith. Abraham thought the worst rather than the best of the man, and it didn’t go well. We read, “Abimelech said to Abraham, ‘What did you have in view, that you have done this thing?’” (Gen 20:10). But things were straightened out on that occasion. This region of Gerar is the hill country between the mountains of Judea and the Mediterranean coast. And these people are the ones later called the Philistines, who were such a grief in the days of Saul and David, and later Samson. But on this occasion, in Genesis 21, Abimelech sees concerning Abraham that “God is with you in all that you do” (v 22) and so seeks a peace treaty with him. But immediately Abraham brings up an issue: “Abraham rebuked Abimelech because of a well of water which Abimelech’s servants had seized” (v 25). Easy, Abraham! Lesson 2 in dealing with neighbors? Don’t just think well of them; speak well to them. Honest communication is key. Abimelech’s response? “I do not know who has done this thing; you did not tell me, nor had I heard of it” (v 26). Let’s be like the boy who, whenever he heard something negative about a friend, would respond, “Mebbe ’taint so.” With that matter settled, Abraham and Abimelech “made a covenant at Beersheba” (meaning “well of the oath”), and seven lambs were given as guarantee. How this reminds us of God offering peace to us through His one perfect Lamb, as John pronounced: “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (Jn 1:29). Have you accepted God’s covenant Lamb?