Dearly beloved welcome to Saturday 7 August 2021 Our Daily Bread Devotional with the title First Forgive. This message shall be a blessing to your life and destiny.
Please, as you read, remember to share this daily devotional with your family and friends. Jesus loves you.
Read Seeds of Destiny Devotional 7 August 2021
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Our Daily Bread Devotional 7 August 2021 – First Forgive
TOPIC: FIRST FORGIVE
Key Verse:
“Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him.”
– Genesis 33:4
Scripture: Genesis 33:1–11
Insight:
Genesis records two times when Jacob met God: first in a dream in Bethel when he was fleeing from Esau (28:10–22) and later as he was preparing to meet Esau (32:22–32). After Jacob wrestled with God, he said, “I saw God face to face” (v. 30). He uses a similar phrase after he met Esau: “To see your face is like seeing the face of God” (33:10), thereby connecting the two events. The NIV Zondervan Study Bible says that “Esau’s actions resemble God’s. Esau treats Jacob in a way that Jacob does not deserve.”
We called ourselves “sisters in Christ,” but my White friend and I had begun to act like enemies. Over a café breakfast one morning, we argued unkindly over our differing racial views. Then we parted, with me vowing not to see her again. One year later, however, we were hired by the same ministry—working in the same department, unable not to reconnect. Awkwardly at first, we talked over conflicts. Then, over time, God helped us to apologize to each other and to heal and to give the ministry our best.
God also healed the bitter division between Esau and his twin brother, Jacob, and blessed both their lives. A onetime schemer, Jacob had robbed Esau of their father’s blessing. But twenty years later, God called Jacob to return to their homeland. So, Jacob sent ahead bountiful gifts to appease Esau. “But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept” (Genesis 33:4).
Their reunion stands as a classic example of God’s urging to settle anger with a brother or sister before offering our gifts—talents or treasures—to Him (Matthew 5:23–24). Instead, “first go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift” (v. 24). Jacob obeyed God by reconciling with Esau, and later setting up an altar to God (Genesis 33:20). What a beautiful order: First, strive for forgiveness and reconciliation. Then, at His altar, He receives us. By: Patricia Raybon
Reflection: Against whom do you hold a grudge or grievance? What steps can you take to reconcile?
Prayer:
Dear God, when I hold onto hard feelings against another believer, inspire me on the way to Your altar to first forgive.
Bible in a Year: Psalms 72–73; Romans 9:1–15
Thank you for reading Our Daily Bread Devotional 7 August 2021 titled First Forgive. Wishing God’s richest blessings for the day.
