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August 6, 2021 8:00 pm
We called ourselves “sisters in Christ.” But my white friend and I had begun to act like enemies. Over a café breakfast one morning, we argued unkindly over our differing racial views. Then we parted, with me vowing not to see her again. One year later, however, we were hired by the same ministry—working in the same department, unable not to reconnect. Awkwardly at first, we talked over conflicts. Then, over time, God helped us to apologize to each other and to heal, but also give the ministry our best.
God also healed the bitter division between Esau and his twin brother Jacob, also blessing both their lives. A onetime schemer, Jacob had robbed Esau of their father’s blessing. But twenty years later, God called Jacob to return to their homeland. So, Jacob sent ahead bountiful gifts to appease Esau. “But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept” (Genesis 33:4).
Their reunion stands as a classic example of God’s urging to settle anger with a brother or sister before offering our gifts—talents or treasuries—to Him (Matthew 5:22). Instead, “first go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift” (v. 24). Jacob obeyed God, by reconciling with Esau, and later setting up an altar to the Lord (Genesis 33:20). What a beautiful order—first strive for forgiveness and reconciliation. Then at His altar, He receives us.
Welcome to today's encouragement from Our Daily Bread.
Today's reading titled first forgive was written by Patricia Raven. We called ourselves sisters in Christ, but my white friend that I had begun to act like enemies over a café breakfast one morning. We argued unkindly over our differing racial views. Then we parted with me, vowing not to see her again one year later, however, we were hired by the same ministry working in the same department, unable not to reconnect awkwardly at first we talked over conflicts then over time, God helped us to apologize to each other and to heal and to give the ministry our best. God also healed the bitter division between Esau and his twin brother, Jacob, and blessed both their lives. A one time schemer Jacob had robbed Esau of their father's blessing, but 20 years later God called Jacob to return to their homeland so Jacob sent ahead bountiful gifts to appease Esau. Genesis 33 verse four says, but Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him. He threw his arms around his neck and kissed him, and they wept their reunion stands is a classic example of God's urging to settle anger with a brother or sister before offering our gifts, talents or treasures to him instead. Matthew five verse 24 instructs first go and be reconciled to them. Then come and offer your gift. Jacob obeyed God by reconciling with Esau and later setting up an altar to the Lord. What beautiful order.
First, strive for forgiveness and reconciliation. Then at his alter, he receives us today's Our Daily Bread devotional Scripture reading is from Genesis chapter 33 verses one through 11, Jacob looked up and there was Esau coming with his 400 men so he divided the children among Leah Rachel and the two female servants. He put the female servants and their children in front.
Leah and her children next and Rachel and Joseph in the rear.
He himself went on ahead and bow 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. Then Esau looked up and saw the women and children who are these with you.
He asked Jacob answered. They are the children God has graciously given your servant than the female servants and their children approached and bow down next Leah and her children came and bow down. Last of all, came Joseph and Rachel and they to bow down Esau asked what's the meaning of all these flocks and herds I met to find favor in your eyes. My Lord, he said, but Esau said I already have plenty my brother keep what you have for yourself. No, please, the Jacob if I have found favor in your eyes accept this gift from me for to see your face is like seeing the face of God.
Now that you have received me favorably. Please accept the present that was brought to you, for God has been gracious to me and I have all I need.
And because Jacob insisted Esau accepted.
Let's pray dear God, if we are harboring bitterness or ill feelings toward someone today. Please help us take the initiative to make things right with them, even if we feel we are the ones who were wrong. God give us the courage to embrace them and show them grace, mercy and forgiveness even if they may not give the same in return. Make us healers and reconciler's just as you are the great healer and reconciler all thank you Lord it's in Jesus name we pray.
Amen. Today's encouragement was provided by Our Daily Bread ministries