Forgive or Hold a Grudge?
Ponder: When someone has wronged you and it can’t be undone.
Scripture: “But Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept” (Gen. 33:4, NKJV).
What a difference twenty years made! Jacob had conned his twin brother into selling his birthright and had deceived his father, Isaac, into giving him the patriarchal blessing. Esau was so enraged that he determined to murder Jacob once their father was dead (Gen. 27:41). Jacob had fled to Padan Aram to escape Esau’s wrath and to find a wife from among his mother’s kin.
But now he was on his way back to Canaan with not one but four wives, a passel of children, and almost unimaginable wealth. He sent messengers to Esau to let him know he was coming. Would his brother still be bent on killing him? The messengers returned with news that Esau was coming with 400 men! Did this mean war? A fearful Jacob sent multiple generous gifts to appease Esau’s wrath. “A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men” (Prov. 18:16). With each gift he called Esau his lord and referred to himself as Esau’s servant.
When the moment of truth arrived, Jacob humbly bowed seven times before his brother. No doubt he was surprised and delighted when “Esau ran to meet him, and fell on his neck and kissed him” (Gen. 33:4). Jacob’s character had changed for the better over the years, and evidently Esau’s had too. Despite his other faults, he should be commended for forgiving his brother instead of holding a grudge. What was done could not be undone. Revenge would accomplish nothing.
Forgiving someone who has seriously wronged you may not be easy, but when they are repentant it is in your best interest and theirs (Lk. 17:3). To that extent, let us imitate Esau!
Hymn: “Oh To Be Like Thee”
Prayer: Father, we thank You for forgiving us. Help us to forgive others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Joe Slater
