“Kung gayon, pasasamahan ko kayo sa ilang tauhan ko,” sabi ni Esau. “Hindi na kailangan. Labis-labis na ang iyong kagandahang-loob sa akin,” sabi naman ni Jacob. Nang araw na iyon ay umuna na si Esau papuntang Seir.

Genesis 33:15–16

Relationship conflicts are painful to deal with. This is especially true for siblings because they are our first friendships. Since we see them every day at home, the discomfort can be much worse, especially if you’re suddenly not talking for long periods or even avoiding eye contact with one another!

The Bible has many examples of siblings fighting with each other. One of the most complicated must be the relationship between Esau and Jacob. Jacob knowingly stole his brother’s birthright (Genesis 25:29-34) and his blessing (Genesis 27). He had to run away to his uncle to avoid Esau’s murderous wrath.

Worst of all, not once did Jacob show remorse for his actions. When he saw Esau again after many years, Esau hugged and kissed him, and they both cried (Genesis 33:4). But their relationship was never truly restored. Sa labis na takot ni Jacob sa kanyang kapatid, hindi siya nagpasama ni isang beses kay Esau sa pupupuntahan niya. Commentators say that Jacob was afraid Esau would strike out of vengeance when he least expected it. Ang huli nilang pagsasama ay sa libing ng tatay nilang si Isaac (Genesis 35:29). Mula noon, naghiwalay sila at hindi na nakipag-usap sa isa’t isa.

Thankfully, we can have a better relationship with our siblings than Esau and Jacob ever had. Scriptures show us how to restore conflicts.

God reconciled us to Himself through Christ; He will also help us to be reconciled with others.