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One Thing Esau Did Right

Esau is known for his sinful lifestyle, but there's one thing he did right. Do you know what it is? This 1-minute devotion explains. #BibleLoveNotes #Bible

Although Esau failed miserably in major areas of his life (see Living in the Moment), he did something very godly later in life.

Before Jacob left his homeland, neither he nor Esau were godly young men. But Jacob caused the most damage in their relationship with Esau by tempting and deceiving him, taking both his birthright and his blessing.(1)

Esau had more reasons to hate Jacob than Jacob had to hate Esau.
 
But in Genesis 33, when Jacob returns unannounced to his homeland, Scripture says:
 

Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept (v. 4).

And when Jacob tried to bribe him with gifts, Esau said, “I already have plenty, my brother. Keep what you have for yourself” (v. 9).

Esau was content and forgiving(2) and wanted to restore his relationship with Jacob. He serves as a bad example in most areas of his life, but in this event, he behaved as God wants us to behave.

Are there any relationships where you've failed to forgive? Are you discontent because of something someone did to you in the past? Make it a matter of prayer to overcome these ungodly attitudes.

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You can do a Bite Size Bible Study on this devotion HERE.

If Esau had been counseled by a Boundaries counselor, he'd probably never have spoken to his brother again. See Boundaries: Is Your Family Dysfunctional?  

(1) God promised Jacob favor, but Jacob and his mother took matters into their own hands and tried to "steal" favor before God gave it. 

(2) Nothing we know about Esau's life is godly except this one incident, but it's an important one. Reconciliation is not possible unless both parties are willing, but each of us must carefully examine our hearts when a relationship is broken. 
From Bible Hub Commentary: "Esau’s conduct on this occasion is that of a good-natured and forgiving disposition. There is no statement of his having intended any mischief to Jacob. His appearance with four hundred men seems to have been accidental, and not with hostile intent against Jacob. He behaves throughout magnanimously and simply."

https://www.amazon.com/Wisdom-Life-Devotional-One-Minute-Reflections/dp/1087775760

I encourage you to check out the Wisdom for Life Devotional. It contains 100 one-minute devotions to challenge, encourage, instruct, and inspire your love for God's Word. 

If you'd like to know why Wisdom for Life might be a good gift for you or your loved ones, see 10 Reasons You'll Love Wisdom for Life


Esau is known for his sinful lifestyle, but there's one thing he did right. Do you know what it is? This 1-minute devotion explains.



Bible Love Notes

7 comments:

  1. Oh, my! Yes!! This has been impressed upon me so much recently. Please be praying that God will help me to forgive a very deep hurt.

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  2. Look how easy it was for Esau to forgive his brother for all he did to him. Oh Lord, may you please give me a forgiving heart because I want to be in that number when the saints go marching in!

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  3. God hated Esau while he was in his mother's womb

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    1. I encourage you to study the actual meaning of that passage, Unknown.
      Let me refer you to this resource:

      https://www.gotquestions.org/Jacob-Esau-love-hate.html

      If you copy that link it will give you some insights.

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    2. You do not have to feel like forgiving someone who has hurt you but you take sides with God against your self and ask God to give you the feeling of forgiveness

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    3. Yes, Unknown, forgiveness is a decision, not a feeling. Very true.

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