Truthful Forgiveness and Reconciliation

Truthful Reconciliation (Genesis 27:27-36, Genisis 33:1-10) He himself went on ahead and bowed down to the groundw seven timesx as he approached his brother. But Esauy ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept. (Genisis 33:3-4) The wall between Jacob and his brother Esau started when Jacob stole Esau’s birthright and then by deceiving his father also stole his brothers blessing which rightfully belonged to his older brother Esau (Genesis 27:27-36). Esau was pretty angry and had said if he had the chance he would murder/ kill Jacob in revenge (v. 41). But now in the second scripture for today Jacob wanted to bring his family party back home, but was afraid of meeting up with his brother now after many years. So to soften the blow of meeting again after so many years Jacob sent some of his servants ahead, with gifts of peace to hos brother. Hoping they would soften Esau’s anger (32:13-21). I can understand the intese feelings that were present as the two met on the road. As they came face to face, Jacob said to Esau “Please accept the present that was brought to you” (33:11). My goal is to bless you and not to harm you. I am hoping to bless you with as much or more than I stole from you, is what he was really saying.(27:35-36). In this way, Jacob was acknowledging his sin and how it had harmed Esau apoligizing and saying he desired to make amends. To make things right. Friends listen to me, for us today, we too can humbly seek to bring healing to the broken relationships in our lives, God can help us and will help us if that is our desire, but we also must remember that forgiveness is oura, but reconciliation takes the willingness of both parties. But in order for the process to begin, Jacob needed a humble heart to seek restoration with his twin brother, Esau. So, whether we’ve harmed another or have been harmed, it takes humility, openness, and often much work to heal the brokenness. But God can and will help us. If you are like me, you have relationships in your life that need restoration? If we so desire we can initiate to see that process start. It should be done after much prayer, and seeking God, because these process can be at times like landmines being stepped on. As Jacob did, we need to humbly come into the situation, willing to bow down and seek forgiveness again, and humbly approach the situation. Father, God, I come to you, seeking guidance and your leading in these situations in my life, as I know you know the details better than I do in each one. Lord, soften my heart and please keep me from holding grudges or becoming bitter and help me forgive others and ask for forgiveness.With a desire to also seek, reconciliation if the door opens and it is possible. Thank you, It is in Jesus namr I pray AMEN