March 29, 2021 | Genesis 33

Read Genesis 33

Scripture- Genesis 33:4 But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept.

Observation- Esau could have maintained his grudge and demanded payment from Jacob. He didn’t though. Instead, he forgave Jacob and hugged him. Esau didn’t get “paid back” or reimbursed with the birthright. Instead, in forgiving Jacob, he absorbed the loss and showed undeserved love and forgiveness. 

Application- In my relationships, I can demand payback and get what is mine, or I can forgive and show grace. I can’t have it both ways. When I forgive, I absorb the loss and show undeserved love. That’s exactly what my God did for me. I wronged him with my sin, but instead of demanding that I pay him back, he absorbed the loss and paid it himself. That payment was his own Son on the cross. God absorbed the loss, paid for it, and in turn, showed me grace. Now he welcomes me with open arms. I will treasure that grace and show that grace today! 

Prayer- Father, thank you for your love and forgiveness. Thank you for paying for my sin, absorbing the loss, and forgiving me. Let your love and forgiveness motivate me to love and forgive in my relationships. Amen.