Facing the fear of potential Conflict

Read Genesis 33.

Jacob prepared to meet the brother he offended more than 20 years ago.  He dreaded the confrontation.  Then, when he heard that Esau was coming with an army of 400 men he became overcome with fear.  God met with Jacob and reassured him.  Yet, the dread was still there as he kept walking and wondering how Esau would respond.  By sending gifts and his treasured family in advance, Jacob did all he could do to try head off any violent conflict.  As Esau approached, Jacob physically humbled himself, bowing before his brother.  

But when the two met, it was Esau who ran to meet his brother, embraced him, and kissed him.  What a relief that must have been to Jacob!

Jacob's words in verse 10 are not to be missed.  To Esau he said, "For I have seen your face, which is like seeing the face of God, and you have accepted me."  Jacob looked at Esau but he saw God at work in direct answer to prayer. 

Everyone, sooner or later, will face a nearly unbearable situation.  When the threat overwhelms us enough, this world's goods and possessions lose their value.  Like Jacob, in in that moment, we would trade all we have for the protection and/or provision of God.  

The foundation of reconciliation is acceptance.  The basis of acceptance is forgiveness.  An unforgiving spirit only destroys the one who refuses to forgive and demonstrates a lack in accepting God's forgiveness of them.  Indeed, the only basis of true forgiveness in the universe is found in the payment Jesus made on the cross.  By our faith in Him, we are accepted, forgiven, and reconciled to the living God.  This frees us to forgive others their trespasses against us.

"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.  Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:31-32)