Sibling Rivalry
Silence and stillness before God (2 minutes)
Scripture reading
Scripture reading:
Genesis 27:41
Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. He said to himself, “The days of mourning for my father are near; then I will kill my brother Jacob.”
Devotional
Esau had every reason to be angry. His brother tricked him twice — first stealing his birthright, then his father’s blessing. The ache of betrayal turned quickly into a grudge.
Bitterness is often fed by a sense of injustice. And when someone we love and trust wounds us, it can feel unbearable. Esau’s hurt turns to hatred, and he begins to plot revenge.
Years later, though, something remarkable happens. In Genesis 33, Esau forgives. He runs to embrace Jacob, weeping. Somewhere in those long years apart, the bitter root was pulled up, and grace took its place.
Jesus calls us to this kind of forgiveness — not because it's easy, but because it sets us free. When we release the grudge, we make space for healing to begin.
Question to consider
Is there someone who once wronged you, and you’re still carrying the weight of that bitterness? What would it look like to begin releasing it?
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, you know what it means to be betrayed. Help me bring my hurt to you instead of holding onto it. Grow forgiveness in me where bitterness has taken root. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Conclude with silence (2 minutes)
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DAILY SEVENS
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Daily Sevens are devotionals to help you connect with God throughout the day. Each Office contains five elements: Silence and Stillness, Scripture, a Devotional Reading, a Question to Consider, and Prayer.
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