'Reconciliation From The Heart.'
Genesis 33:4.
a) Esau ran to meet Jacob.
b) Esau embraced Jacob.
c) Esau threw his arms around Jacob's neck,
d) Esau kissed Jacob.
e) They both (Esau and Jacob) wept.
(This QT reveals Reconciliation From The Heart)
PRAYER: For God to help you make reconciliation where you need to and as He leads you.
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'Only Faith And Love.'
Galatians 5:6.
a) For in Christ Jesus
b) Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any power
c) But only Faith
d) Working through Love.
(Through this Second one I understand the importance of Faith working through Love)
PRAYER: For more Faith working through Love in my life.
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Chris.
Esau embraced Jacob! This was not only a "cultural" action, it really came from Esau's heart, he really desired a full reconciliation with Jacob. If reconciliation is needed between people in any situation, it needs to come from the heart. Reconciliation is not a matter of action first and then the heart can follow. In genuine reconciliation the heart comes first. I have seen several attempts of people trying to reconcile without their heart, it never works, then they become frustrated, confused and angry.
In our busy lives and competitive cultures today, it is really important to prepare our hearts for genuine reconciliation if we are going to have it with someone. There has been much division in families, amongst friends and in Churches simply because of the complications and competitions in life. Only reconciliation can resolve these issues.
Reconciliation is not initiated by one party, hoping that the other will want to reconcile! If needed, both parties must want it. (This means that it is a matter of serious individual prayer first.)
Sometimes a 'peacemaker/negotiator' maybe needed in serious situations requiring reconciliation. If so, it is better to be a person that both persons involved know so that any 'follow up' that maybe needed to the reconciliation can be done well.
Please remember that prayerful preparation is needed for meaningful reconciliation.
In a society where there is a 'class or cultural distinction' between people, it is only really possible to truly reconcile if the person who is in the higher (leadership or importance) position takes the initiative to reconcile. If the person in the lower position tries to take the initiative, they could be very hurt.
