Seventh Day Baptist
Christian Education Council
PO BOX 1678
Janesville, WI 53547
—Genesis 33:12-15
by: Stephanie Sholtz.
They say, “Once burned, twice shy.” Jacob and Esau reconciled and yet Jacob seems hesitant to trust his brother. Whether his fear is of the fragility of their relationship or the possibility that Esau could again become angered, Jacob does not trust this newly reestablished relationship. In fact he refuses Esau’s help and does not follow Esau to his home as promised. Relationships take a lot of time and work. Although the brothers had a joyous reunion, it takes time and work to repair trust once it is lost. In order to maintain healthy relationships with others, we have to be willing to have integrity and honesty as modeled by Christ. That is the only way to build trust with each other.