Bitter Pills

Read Genesis 31:1–36:43

1. Then Jacob looked up and saw Esau coming with his 400 men. So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and his two servant wives.
2. He put the servant wives and their children at the front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph last.
3. Then Jacob went on ahead. As he approached his brother, he bowed to the ground seven times before him.
4. Then Esau ran to meet him and embraced him, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. And they both wept.
5. Then Esau looked at the women and children and asked, “Who are these people with you?” “These are the children God has graciously given to me, your servant,” Jacob replied. Genesis 33:1-5

Next week’s family reunion has you wrestling with a couple of conflicting emotions. You’ll love seeing Erica—it seems that no matter how long it’s been, you just pick up where you left off. But it’s just the opposite with Cousin Dale. He’s still bitter. Has he forgiven you? Or will it be awkward . . . again?

This is the last part of Jacob’s story, and much has changed. Having fled to Laban, Jacob now flees from him. Having exploited Esau, Jacob now seeks to be reconciled. Having left home single and poor, he now returns with a family and wealth. The only constant from the past is his uncertainty: Jacob wonders what Esau will do—whether he still harbors anger and will seek revenge. But Jacob has learned to trust in God.

This story has much to say about everyday life and relationships. Look for lessons on dealing with jealousy; working hard; releasing children; letting go of bitterness; reconciling; and forgiving.

When the two brothers meet again, the bitterness over losing his birthright and blessing (Genesis 25:29-34, 27:1-40:1-40) seems to have been forgotten by Esau. He greets his brother, Jacob, with a great hug (Genesis 33:1-11). Imagine how difficult this must have been for a man who once had actually plotted to kill his brother (Genesis 27:41). Instead of being consumed by thoughts of vengeance, however, Esau is content with what he has and is eager to reconcile. Time away from Jacob has allowed Esau’s bitter wounds to heal. Jacob even exclaims how great it is to see his brother, obviously pleased with him (Genesis 33:10).

Life can bring struggle and pain; we may even feel cheated, as Esau did. But we don’t have to hold on to the past and remain bitter. We can remove our bitterness by honestly expressing our feelings to God, forgiving those who have wronged us, and being content with what we have.

What grudges have you been nursing? Whom are you refusing to forgive? What revengeful scenarios have you been imagining? Confess your thoughts and feelings to God and allow him to heal your memories. Be better, not bitter.