Genesis 33:1-12

33 Now Jacob looked up and saw Esau coming, and four hundred men with him. So he divided the children among Leah and Rachel and the two maids. ² He put the maids with their children in front, then Leah with her children, and Rachel and Joseph last of all. ³ He himself went on ahead of them, bowing himself to the ground seven times, until he came near his brother.

⁴ But Esau ran to meet him and embraced him and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept. ⁵ When Esau looked up and saw the women and children, he said, “Who are these with you?” Jacob said, “The children whom God has graciously given your servant.” ⁶ Then the maids drew near, they and their children, and bowed down; ⁷ Leah likewise and her children drew near and bowed down; and finally Joseph and Rachel drew near, and they bowed down. ⁸ Esau said, “What do you mean by all this company that I met?” Jacob answered, “To find favor with my lord.” ⁹ But Esau said, “I have enough, my brother; keep what you have for yourself.” ¹⁰ Jacob said, “No, please; if I find favor with you, then accept my present from my hand, for truly to see your face is like seeing the face of God, since you have received me with such favor. ¹¹ Please accept my gift that is brought to you, because God has dealt graciously with me and because I have everything I want.” So he urged him, and he took it.

¹² Then Esau said, “Let us journey on our way, and I will go alongside you.”

Prayer

God, in reading the biblical stories of Jacob and Esau, I see that siblings, and others, can treat those around them poorly. And when I focus just on myself, I can become rather unlikeable, too. Thank you for the example of Esau, who, though he was cheated by his own brother, withheld vengeance, and let forgiveness flow. Let me also be grateful that you show such forgiveness to all, including me, who turn to you for grace. Work on and in my heart so that gratitude will define my daily walk. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.