“Keep your friends close and your enemies even closer.” If somebody threatened you, how would you approach them? Someone is thinking, “I would not approach them at all.” That is a strategy. If a person is trying to harm us, we could just avoid them.
Jacob had no choice. He was returning home as God had instructed him. Esau and an army came to greet him. Last he saw his brother, Jacob feared for his life. What would you do? Jacob prayed. He knew he needed God’s help. First, he thanked God for his kindness. Then he asked God for protection. Finally, he reminded God that he remembered God’s good promises to him.
Thinking about people who are angry at us, what if we prayed this prayer? First, we know that God has been kind and faithful to us. Second, we know we need for God to save us and protect us. Finally, we remember that God has made promises to us to never leave us, nor forsake us.
What does God have to do with our relationships? The scriptures show us that these two things are intricately and inseparably intertwined. How we treat others affects our relationship with God. God’s transforming love helps us to see opponents through the eyes of grace. Stay close to God. You have no better friend. Pray for those who want to harm you. Instead of running away, go toward them, trusting God to protect you.
One last thought: are we going with God to the place he has told us to go? Then we have no cause for fear. God has always kept his promises and he always will.
