Forgiveness in the Family
The book of Genesis describes to us the relationship between Esau and Jacob who were twin sons of Isaac and Rebecca. Twice the book of Genesis tells us how Esau, who was the older of the twins, lost his birthright.
In the first case, when Esau returned home from the fields exhausted, he begged his younger brother Jacob to offer him the bowl of stew belonging to Jacob (Genesis 25). Jacob was prepared to part with the stew only if Esau would part with his birthright, which was a right to inherit the leadership of the family and a right to a double portion of the family inheritance. Esau agreed.
Later in Genesis 27 when Isaac their father was ready to bestow the blessings of the firstborn on Esau, Jacob deceptively received the blessings. Esau was furious and was waiting for an opportune time to kill Jacob. Jacob had to be sent away by Rebecca.
Years later when the two brothers meet (Genesis 33), Jacob is afraid that Esau will kill him and his family. On the contrary Esau was pleased to see Jacob. It is obvious in the Genesis narrative that Esau forgave his younger brother Jacob. The manner in which Esau greets and embraces Jacob shows us that Esau had forgiven Jacob.
So what must I do when members of the family wrong me?
- 1. Choose to forgive them.
- 2. Forgiveness means I initiate reconciliation (Genesis 33:4).
- 3. Forgiveness means I don't need gifts to be pacified (Genesis 33:9).
- 4. Forgiveness means I don't hold any grudge against the one who offended me. Instead, I show mercy (Genesis 33:10).
- 5. Forgiveness means I don't abandon my family (Genesis 33:12).
- 6. Forgiveness means I demonstrate care for the other (Genesis 33:15).
"Esau ran to meet him" (Genesis 33:4) reminds me of the father who ran to meet his prodigal son in Luke 15:20.
In Genesis 33:10b, Jacob says, “For to see your face is like seeing the face of God, now that you have received me favourably.” Esau’s forgiveness was obvious on his countenance. Thus, when Jacob saw Esau, he remembered God whom he encountered the night before (Gen. 32:30). May the way we show forgiveness help others see the face of Christ and experience His favour.