Resolving Conflict

Scripture: Genesis 33:4
But Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept.

Observation:
Jacobs decides to go back to his homeland but is fearful of his brother Esau. He sends gifts before him to appease his brother and is greatly concerned that he may be killed by his brother because of what Jacob did to him. Instead he is shocked to have his brother embrace him and kiss him and he actually cries. This meeting was a very emotional one for Esau and Jacob. Definitely not what Jacob imagined it would be like. His brother tells him he doesn't want his gifts that he has all that he needs. So the gifts didn't change Esau's heart toward Jacob, God, distance and a some years changed Esau's heart toward his brother.

Application:
To be able to resolve all your problems diplomatically and everyone is still happy, that would be a great quality to have. I am kind of like Jacob in this instance- In trying to resolve an issue where I am concerned -I am fearful of being hurt, rejected or even worse hated. A time span can help sometimes with some issues by allowing all persons involved some breathing room and at a later date try to resolve it. I have discovered that sometimes my fears were built up greater than they should have been and I actually had no reason to be fearful.
There are some issues that must be taken care of quickly though and with this I need help. I noticed that Jacob sent his servants before him with gifts and a message of good will toward Esau. In a sense they were kind of like a mediator, someone who can get between the persons who are conflicted and help them work it out. God has been teaching me by allowing me to be a mediator sometimes. I am able to help others in resolving their conflicts but I need to learn how to use the same method when it comes to me personally. This seems to be a good example of how to work out problems.

Prayer:
Dear Lord help me not be fearful in resolving conflicts. Please teach me the skills necessary to bring about a peaceful resolution to any conflicts I may have. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer in Jesus name Amen.