Genesis 32-34

“Please take my gift … because God has dealt graciously with me, and because I have plenty” (33:11). When Jacob met his brother Esau, he offered gifts. More than simply peace-making, the gifts demonstrated that Jacob had prospered and believed that God was responsible for his abundance. He could meet his brother open-handed, no longer grasping, no longer hiding or seeking revenge. Unfortunately, Jacob’s sons had not yet learned these lessons, and their pride led to tragic, horrific bloodshed (ch 34).

If we know we are God’s beloved children, we can love others, free from the poisons of pride, jealousy, self-doubt and fear.