A Sincere Sacrifice of Pride

Picture two brothers greeting each other for the first time in twenty years. One brother is uncertain if the meeting will be friendly or hostile. Jacob did what was required to make amends for deceiving Esau. He offered extravagant gifts to placate his brother's wrath. Now Jacob stood before Esau with only God's promise of protection.

 

          As Jacob approached his brother, he bowed prostrate to the ground seven times indicating total subjection to Esau. Unquestionable sincerity was required if making amends were to fulfill a godly purpose. Genuine sacrifice is indicative of serious intentions to make amends.  

          When there’s a willingness to sacrifice pride to make amends, God will bless the effort. Genesis 33:4 tells us that when Esau observed Jacob's sincerity, he ran to embrace and kiss him. Then they both wept. Making amends has lasting rewards when both parties are receptive to restoring fellowship. God rewards the sacrifice you make for peace.  

Sometimes "I'm Sorry" Is Not Enough

Making amends is never a frivolous matter. It involves more than simply saying, "I’m sorry." Sometimes parents force children to say those words knowing they’re not sincere. Making amends goes beyond seeking forgiveness or apologizing. Making amends takes steps to compensate for causing hurt and suffering whenever possible.  

          Jacob knew if he were to live in peace with his brother, he would have to make amends to appease Esau’s anger and hurt. Making amends attempts to restore a relationship to trust and respect. It's comparable to atoning for deliberate wrongs committed against someone because of anger, greed, jealousy, or fear.

          Jacob was desperate. He was willing to bow down in subjection to his brother. Jacob had stolen his brother’s position, wealth and power, so making a sacrifice worthy of Esau’s loss was the issue. When you consider the sacrifice that Jesus made for us so we could be in right standing with God, our sacrifices seem so insignificant in comparison.  

Major Betrayal? Major Change Required

It's impossible to complete any stage of life without offending or hurting another person. I'm not referring to a minor transgression where an apology could make things right. I’m referring to a major betrayal that scars a person for life or perhaps wounds someone by deliberate actions intended to do harm.

          Making amends is a requirement for inner peace and peace with others. God put it in the heart and mind of Jacob to make amends to his brother for shameful acts of betrayal. To have inner peace and peace with God, he had to submit to sacrificing part of his identity. God changed his name to Israel, for he had struggled with God. 

            Can you imagine the impact that changing your given name would have in every area of your life? Making amends to his brother would demand significant sacrifices, for amends are impossible without sacrifice. What you receive from that sacrifice is God's pleasure and acceptance. It is a small price to pay for such a tremendous reward.