The Courage To Reconcile - Jacob And Esau

Jacob insisted, “No, if I have found favor with you, please accept this gift from me.”. . . And because Jacob insisted, Esau finally accepted the gift.

Genesis 33:10-11

At a New Year’s Eve party at London’s Garrick Club, British actor Seymour Hicks approached playwright Frederick Lonsdale and suggested that he reconcile with a fellow member who had been Lonsdale’s friend in the past before a falling-out.

“It is very unkind to be unfriendly at such a time,” Lonsdale said. “Go over now and wish him a Happy New Year.”

Lonsdale crossed the room and coldly said to his former friend, “I wish you a Happy New Year, but only one.”

Whether because of human pride, fear of rejection, or some other emotional issue, we struggle to reconcile with someone who has hurt us—or someone we’ve hurt.

Take the example of Jacob and his brother, Esau. After so many years apart from his brother, Jacob felt terrified at the prospect of seeing him again. He knew that Esau was angry with him for bilking him out of his birthright, and he wondered if he was going to live through this reunion.

Jacob and his family had returned to the land of Canaan, where Esau lived. By now, Esau was a successful, wealthy businessman, and as Esau and four hundred of his men approached Jacob and his family, Jacob wondered if he had done the right thing.

As Esau came closer, Jacob trembled. Would Esau kill him and everyone in his family?

No, he wouldn’t.

Esau ran to Jacob and embraced him, forgave him, and invited him to bring his family to Seir and set up their homes there. Though years of rancor and hatred stood between Jacob and Esau, their brotherhood enabled them to reunite peacefully and lovingly in the end.

Is there an estranged friend or family member with whom you need to seek reconciliation? You can never completely avoid conflict in your life, but you can take steps to be reconciled with a person you have disagreed with. Take the first step. It might be easier than you think!