"Buying Reconciliation" by Kirk Hunt

And Jacob said, Nay, I pray thee, if now I have found grace in thy sight, then receive my present at my hand: for therefore I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me. (Genesis 33:10 KJV)

The murderous rage of Esau transformed into brotherly love. Not suddenly with the gifts, but slowly in the decades of separation from his twin brother. Whatever Jacob's opinion of Esau before, he is delighted by his brother's acceptance. “You were pleased with me.”

Reconciliation is an expensive, complicated business. The cost of swallowed pride and forgiven offensives is high, then grows with each passing day. The unwinding, or flat forgiveness, of old grievances can take more out of you than you think or know.

Jacob's wealth and blessings could not buy him ease of mind. He had to face his brother and fix their relationship. Unsure of his brother's response, Jacob faced his sibling, the regional warlord, with nothing but courage and determination.

The fortune (on the hoof) Jacob gave to Esau wasn't a bribe. It was an apology. Esau's embrace of Jacob restored peace and joy, too long absent. Tears, of joy and relief, marked the return of brothers to each other's life.

It's not too late or too hard for you. Spend your money on reconciliation. Use your every skill and resource to restore the relationship. It will be a bargain at twice the price.

Think: Reconciliation is expensive but satisfying.

Pray: “Lord, help me find the way to bring us back together.”

Copyright © January 2008, Kirk Hunt