Genesis 32: 1-8

Jacob also went on his way, and the angels of God met him. 2 When Jacob saw them, he said, “This is the camp of God!” So he named that place Mahanaim. 3 Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom. 4 He instructed them: “This is what you are to say to my lord Esau: ‘Your servant Jacob says, I have been staying with Laban and have remained there till now. 5 I have cattle and donkeys, sheep and goats, male and female servants. Now I am sending this message to my lord, that I may find favor in your eyes.’”

6 When the messengers returned to Jacob, they said, “We went to your brother Esau, and now he is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.” 7 In great fear and distress Jacob divided the people who were with him into two groups, and the flocks and herds and camels as well. 8 He thought, “If Esau comes and attacks one group, the group that is left may escape.”

New International Version (NIV)

When it comes to difficult family relationships, do you assume the worst or the best? What might they assume about us? Past pain may incline us to expect the worst from family members. What if we are wrong?

Angels met Jacob as he headed home to his people. At a place named, “God’s Camp,” he turned from Laban and returned to Esau. Jacob had stolen from his brother twice. How do we know he has changed? Old Jacob stole. New Jacob will offer gifts to his brother. He sent messengers ahead to prepare the way. What did Jacob want and need from his brother? Favor. He needed grace so he asked for it. His servants returned with news that Esau was headed his way with an army of men.  Jacob feared the worst, so he divided up his family.

We all have made mistakes in family relationships. Sooner or later we all sit down to a big banquet of consequences. What do we need from our families? The same thing they need from us:  grace.  I spoke with a friend recently expecting a painful exchange. Instead, my friend surprised me by saying, “I am big on grace. I need it, so I have to give it.” 

When we expect the worst from others, we may experience it. Or, we may find grace. We know we need grace. Do we give it to others when they make a mistake? Given God’s grace, we should give grace. Grace does not have to be deserved or earned. It comes from God. He never runs out of grace. 

Pray with me:

Father, we thank you for the goodness of grace. We need your favor today, just to survive. You know our many failures. Forgive us and restore us we pray. Help us to give grace to others as we have received it from you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Our Monday through Friday devotionals are in the book of Genesis this year. Join us for these devotionals as we learn together about our God and his Kingdom in the world.  

We also invite you to join us as we read through the Bible. Copies of the reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download your copy here:

2025 Bible Reading Plan

Manage your preferences | Opt Out using TrueRemove™
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
View this email online.

555 Tallowood Road | Houston, TX 77024 US

This email was sent to .
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.