Sweetening a Sour Relationship

Sweetening a Sour Relationship
[Jacob] crossed over before them and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. But Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him… and kissed him, and they wept.—Genesis 33: 3-4
For twenty years, these brothers had been estranged. But Esau’s hatred changed suddenly. Though he intended to meet Jacob with a sword, he ended up embracing him. Close relationships can sometimes sour. Perhaps you have been estranged from a loved one.
** When love has grown cold, can it be restored? The Scriptures say yes.
The first thing that Jacob did was pray. The first thing you should do is pray and ask God to change the heart of that person who is estranged from you. When we do that, God often shows us where we need to change.
Jacob’s nature was to take, not to give. But after praying, he decided to send ahead presents to Esau. Find ways to bless that person you’re estranged from.
Next, he edified his brother, referring to him as “lord.” Too often, our relationships sour because we tear down instead of build up.
Then Jacob shared with Esau the things that transpired during their absence. Openness—sharing your thoughts and feelings—heals relationships. And then Jacob and Esau touched. They embraced one another.
Can God heal your relationships? Yes. If you follow Jacob’s example—praying, blessing, edifying, sharing, and touching the one you are estranged from, God can take that sour relationship and make it sweet again.
Father, help us to learn through Your Word how to love each other, that we may see a glorious fragrance filling our lives. In Jesus’ name, amen.
YBIC,
Dan Shock CBMC of Tampa Bay
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