Who's My Neighbor? A Biblical Call To Love OthersSample

Welcome Home…

Deanna Thomason

When my boys were young, they couldn’t wait for their dad to get home from work. The instant they heard the back door open all three would bolt towards the laundry room, screaming “Dad’s home.” Sometimes holding on to him until they were peeled off.

In this passage, Jacob knew he had acted wrongly. He had been deceitful and stolen his brother’s birthright. He also knew he had to take the first step to reconciliation. Jacob was afraid for his life, so he prayed for safety, but he also humbled himself, “swallowed his pride” so to speak. He bowed before his brother. Instead of wrath, Esau ran to meet him. Embraced him, maybe until he was peeled off.

Recently I had to “swallow my pride.” I had spoken honest but unkind words and knew I needed to make things right. I made all kinds of bargains with God. If she comes, I’ll talk to her. If she comes and we are alone, then I’ll talk to her. If she comes, we are alone, and she isn’t busy, I’ll talk to her. Finally, it happened…so I had to speak to her. It didn’t go as well as I had hoped, but we did embrace and cry. I did the right thing regardless of the outcome.

I spent many years trying to make it on my own with a little Jesus sprinkled here and there. When I run to meet Jesus, I am always received with a whole-hearted greeting. The whole-hearted greeting we all long for. When I show up, even during those times when I know I have been less than honest, selfish and certainly not consistent in my relationship with God, He always meets me at the door screaming “welcome home.”

Prayer: Father, help us to be consistently humble before You. Give us real and tangible ways to know You love us and forgive. Lead us to reconciliation with You and others.