WEEKLY BIBLE STUDY 8/31...FORGIVENESS (PART 1)

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE TEACH YOU ABOUT FORGIVENESS (PART 1)

The Bible shows how God reaches out to show His love and forgiveness He has given us, and one of the greatest blessings we can give to others.

Jacob and Esau (Genesis 25, 27, 32, 33)- Forgiveness Bible Story

The twins Jacob and Esau were very different from one another. One was a man’s man. Esau loved outdoor activities like tending the sheep and hunting. Jacob preferred to stay at home and learn from his mother.

One day Esau out hunting and came home very hungry so he begged Jacob to give him something to eat. In return Jacob sold a bowl of soup to his older twin in exchange for the birthright. Esau traded the larger portion of their inheritance for a bowl of beans. (Genesis 25:29-34)

Jacob deceived Esau again when his father Issac knew he was dying and wanted to give Esau his blessing. Rebbecca, the mother of the twins, helped Jacob fool Isaac into giving Jacob the larger portion of the inheritance.

Jacob was afraid that if Esau found out he would kill him, so he ran away.  When he did, he heard that his brother Esau was looking for him, Jacob was scared. He devised a plan so that his brother could only destroy half of his wealth if he was caught. (Genesis 32)

When Esau ran to Jacob and hugged him and kissed him and showed forgiveness and mercy. Jacob was surprised Esau had forgiven him. (Genesis 33)

LESSON #1  

Letting Go of Angry and Resentment – In the Bible story about Esau and Jacob, Esau knew that by punishing  Jacob, and keeping feelings of anger, hatred, and resentment would have consumed him, making him a miserable and bitter person. Thus, he would have actually brought more pain on himself than on Jacob.

Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.