Love Deeply Series

LOVE DEEPLY

1 Peter 4:8

READ 1 Peter 4:8

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”

JACOB AND ESAU

Jacob and Esau are two brothers that we meet in Genesis 25. Even from their birth, it was said that these two brothers would not get along. In fact, Genesis 25:23 says, "Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger." The two boys grew up in a home with favoritism and poor parenting skills. Jacob stole a birth right and blessing from Esau and caused great hurt in his family. Genesis 27:41 tells us, “Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. He said to himself, "The days of mourning for my father are near; then I will kill my brother Jacob." Esau was hurt and bitter to the point that he had plans to kill his brother. Jacob ran away. He stayed away from his family for years and eventually had a family of his own.

The day came when Jacob traveled back home and he had to deal with his brother. Jacob found out his brother was coming to meet him with 400 men. Jacob sent gifts ahead of his arrival for the purpose that Esau’s heart might be softened. He instructed each group to be humble, respectful, and to offer the gifts to Esau. Goats were given in humbleness. Rams were given with respect. Camels were given to soften hearts. Bulls and donkeys were all given to apologize.

Genesis 33:3-11 says, “He himself went on ahead and bowed down to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. 4 But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept. 5 Then Esau looked up and saw the women and children. "Who are these with you?" he asked. Jacob answered, "They are the children God has graciously given your servant." 6 Then the maidservants and their children approached and bowed down. 7 Next, Leah and her children came and bowed down. Last of all came Joseph and Rachel, and they too bowed down. 8 Esau asked, "What do you mean by all these droves I met?" "To find favor in your eyes, my lord," he said. 9 But Esau said, "I already have plenty, my brother. Keep what you have for yourself." 10 "No, please!" said Jacob. "If I have found favor in your eyes, accept this gift from me. For to see your face is like seeing the face of God, now that you have received me favorably. 11 Please accept the present that was brought to you, for God has been gracious to me and I have all I need." And because Jacob insisted, Esau accepted it.”

READ 1 Peter 4:8

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”

JOSEPH AND HIS BROTHERS

There is another story in Genesis 50 which surrounds brothers and deep hurt. Jacob is #11 of the 12 sons of Jacob (also called Israel). He was sold into slavery by his brothers because of jealousy. He became a slave. He was falsely accused of a crime and ended up in prison. He was forgotten. God ended up blessing him and he was in a position to help the nation he was living in and his family through severe drought and famine. His family comes and he is able to provide them a place to live, food, and wealth. Joseph’s father dies and his brothers are worried that their sin of selling him into slavery would come back to haunt them.

Genesis 50:14-21 says, “After burying his father, Joseph returned to Egypt, together with his brothers and all the others who had gone with him to bury his father. 15 When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, "What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?" 16 So they sent word to Joseph, saying, "Your father left these instructions before he died: 17 'This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.' Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father." When their message came to him, Joseph wept. 18 His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. "We are your slaves," they said. 19 But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 21 So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children." And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.”