Daily Dose 1-16-12

Genesis 33:3-4 He himself went on ahead and bowed down to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept.

Reconciliation is a two-way street. Esau was justified to hold a grudge against Jacob. He had manipulated Esau out of his birthright and stolen the blessing from Abraham that was intended for his first-born. God wanted their relationship restored…not just to treat one another with civility. Jacob was willing to leave the security of the home he had built with God’s blessing to return to the home of the brother whose blessing he stole. He approached Esau with generosity and humility. In turn, Esau forgave completely and restored his brother with love. Where are you in some of your relationships? Are you Esau, fully justified to remain skeptical and hurt by the past actions of another? Are you Jacob, moving on in your life without relationships you loved because your actions in the past hurt them? Or, are you a bit of both? Generally, when there is conflict, the truth lies somewhere in the middle. In that case, both parties have to agree to move toward truth to find reconciliation. Wherever you are in this scenario, know that broken relationships – especially among believers – are not pleasing to God. Do your best to move forward to reconcile relationships that will bless both parties by pleasing God.

Father, Give me wisdom and courage to move toward reconciliation like Jacob did and to run to forgiveness like Esau. Only You can heal some of these hurts. I trust You. Amen.