Family Reconciliation

Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must also forgive. —Colossians 3:13, ESV

My grandparents had three daughters.

They had four, eight, and six children, respectively.

They grew into a closely knit extended family.

Though distance separates us, we have maintained a bond that many desire. Our family celebrates every achievement and milestone.

My family is generally well-read, very vocal, and opinionated. Though discussions and debates can become very lively and heated at times, they are always held in a spirit of camaraderie. However, there is no perfect family, so there are rare times of disagreement or tension. In those times, Colossians 3:13 and the lessons from Jacob and Esau’s reconciliation become even more relevant. The story of Jacob and Esau’s reconciliation is a model for Christian families, demonstrating the need for repentance, forgiveness, and divine intervention for its success. Jacob fled as a fugitive from his brother, Esau, whom he had cheated of his birthright to the land of his father, Isaac. He stayed with his uncle Laban, who did not deal fairly with him.

Jacob eventually became overwhelmed by this ill-treatment and decided to return to Canaan. He knew he needed to reconcile with Esau, whom he knew to be angry and intent on revenge. Demonstrating humility, Jacob instructed his servants to refer to himself as “your servant” when approaching Esau and to address Esau as “my lord.” Jacob continued to use those titles throughout his encounter with Esau. In addition, he bowed to the ground seven times while approaching Esau. The fact that Esau ran to meet Jacob, embraced him, fell on his neck, and kissed him while each wept indicates repentance and forgiveness.

The evidence of God’s intervention is in Esau’s response to Jacob’s offer, his acceptance of the gift of reconciliation, and Jacob’s acknowledgment of God’s favor.

Jacob noted that seeing Esau’s face was like seeing the face of God and a sign of forgiveness and acceptance (see Genesis 33:10).

Dear Father, please help us to live in unity and to forgive in humility, just as God in Christ forgives us.

Annette L. Vaughan