His Acceptance!

Forgiving those who have wronged us may not always be easy. However, Jesus made it clear that if we are to expect forgiveness from God we must be willing to forgive and to do so from our heart. ( Matthew 6:14-15 & 18:35) Certainly there are things which happen we may have difficulty completely forgetting, but in forgiving we must still reach the point we can treat the other individual as if it had not taken place. Is that not the way God views us by the complete forgiveness He provides?

Every time I read the account of the reunion between Jacob and Esau I am impressed by Esau’s response to Jacob’s return as well as Jacob’s own view of his brother’s actions. Jacob knew he had wronged his brother, but after spending many years away he desired to return even though he was very unsure how he might be received by Esau. However, upon seeing Jacob coming Esau ran to him, embraced him, kissed him, and they both wept. ( Genesis 33:4) It was a very sweet reunion. The gifts which Jacob had sent ahead of him were not necessary to soften the heart of Esau and Jacob had to urge him to accept them.

We read…
“(9) But Esau said, “I have enough, my brother; keep what you have for yourself.” (10) Jacob said, “No, please, if I have found favor in your sight, then accept my present from my hand. For I HAVE SEEN YOUR FACE, WHICH IS LIKE SEEING THE FACE OF GOD, AND YOU HAVE ACCEPTED ME.” ( Genesis 33:9-10
ESV)

Jacob had wronged Esau and deeply hurt his brother. In fact, Esau had been angry enough to desire to take Jacob’s life. ( Genesis 27:41) Though it may have taken time, we see from this scene that Esau eventually set those feelings aside and was willing to eagerly FORGIVE and ACCEPT his brother. To Jacob it was a real gift and was as refreshing as “seeing the face of God.”

When we are willing to genuinely FORGIVE and ACCEPT we are displaying a loving mercy most like God’s. We know how much we are in need of such grace. May we continue to grow in a willingness to extend it in a way that others will perceive that this gracious spirit of God is well and alive within us. Let us respond to others in such a manner that they might glimpse the face of God because of the genuine godly essence of our life.

Have a great day DEMONSTRATING A GRACIOUS GODLY SPIRIT!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Forgiveness