Forgiveness

This week I thought about the text in Genesis 33:1-11, “But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept.”

Amber Guyger was sentenced to 10 years in prison this week for the murder of Botham Jean in 2018 in Dallas, TX. The Jean family appeared to be disappointed and wanted a far harsher punishment. Brandt Jean, Botham’s brother, took the witness stand and spoke to Amber Guyger, saying, “I know if you go to God and ask Him, He will forgive you.” He then asked Judge Tammy Kemp if he could give Amber a hug. The judge granted his wish, and Brandt stepped outside the witness box and met Amber in front of the judge where they embraced. Brandt told ABC News, “I just told her that I forgive her…That was just my gesture, my decision of letting her know that I truly forgive her.” Brandt ended his interview by saying, “I know that every time I ask God for forgiveness, He forgives me, so who am I to not forgive someone who asks?”

Offering forgiveness to someone who comes to us in sorrow for their wrongdoing begins the process of releasing us and them from the bitterness and pain that can cling to us over wrongs we’ve suffered.

In Genesis, we see two brothers separated for 20 years after Jacob stole Esau’s birthright. God told Jacob to return to his homeland, and he obeyed. He sent ahead herds of animals as a gift. When the brothers met, Jacob bowed at Esau’s feet seven times in humility. Imagine the surprise when Esau ran and embraced him, both of them weeping over the reconciliation. No longer was Jacob held by the sin he committed against his brother.

Are you imprisoned by unforgiveness? God through Jesus can release you when you seek His help! God will set you free as He did Jacob and Brandt Jean!

Genesis 33:4 – “But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embrace him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept.”

By the Rev. Tommy Herndon
Image: Adobe iStock