Scripture Reading:

“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 (NIV)

Devotional Thought

Conflict is like fire—if left unattended, it spreads and destroys everything in its path. That’s why God calls us to deal with relational fires quickly and with discipline. In the story of Jacob and Esau, we see three steps that form a spiritual fire drill: Stop, Drop, and Reconcile.

Jacob had been running from conflict for 20 years, hoping time would heal what deceit had broken. But unresolved conflict doesn’t disappear—it waits for us. When Jacob finally stopped running, God brought him to a place of wrestling, not with Esau, but with Himself. Before reconciliation with his brother, Jacob needed reconciliation with God. His pride had to be broken, and his limp became the sign of humility.

Pride struts, but humility limps. Pride says, “They should come to me,” but humility says, “I’ll take the first step.” When Jacob limped into Esau’s presence and bowed seven times, he demonstrated complete surrender. But it only took one run of grace from Esau to restore the relationship.

That’s the beauty of reconciliation—it’s not about who “wins” or who’s “right,” it’s about grace closing the distance pride created. And this story points us to Jesus: our Lord bowed completely in surrender at the cross, and the Father made one decisive run of grace toward us. If God reconciled us to Himself while we were still His enemies, how much more should we be willing to reconcile with one another?

Reflection Questions

1. Is there a conflict in your life that you’ve been running from, like Jacob?
2. What pride or fear might you need to “drop” in order to reconcile?
3. Who might God be nudging you to reach out to with an act of grace this week?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for reconciling me to Yourself through Jesus. Forgive me for the times I’ve let pride or fear keep me from mending broken relationships. Give me the humility to bow low and the courage to take the first step. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I can extend grace, just as You have poured grace into my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Action Step

Think of one relationship that needs healing. Today, take a practical step toward reconciliation: make the call, send the message, write the letter, or arrange the meeting. Remember—when pride bows, grace runs, and love embraces.