Bible Reading: Genesis 33:10
Jacob had done some stupid things when he was younger. He had deceived and cheated his twin brother Esau. Consequently, Esau had become so angry that Jacob had
had to run for his life. He hadn’t seen his twin in 20 years! Now Jacob was sorry for what he’d done. He wanted Esau’s forgiveness. Jacob wanted to make things right and restore his relationship with his brother.
Therefore, Jacob offered his brother many gifts. At first, his brother didn’t want to take the animals that Jacob offered, but Jacob said, “No, please!...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.”
Then Esau eagerly accepted the gifts and forgave Jacob. The brothers were reunited. Jacob was so filled with joy that he felt that seeing Esau was like seeing the face of God!
Have you lied to, cheated, or in some other way hurt someone? Has your relationship with that person been damaged as a result? Take steps to repair the damage and ask for forgiveness. When you do, being reunited with that person may make you feel the same joy Jacob felt. The same kind of joy you would feel if you were seeing the face of God.
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.” Matthew 5:23 & 24
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to be willing to ask forgiveness and do whatever is necessary to make things right whenever I’ve wronged someone. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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