THE ESSENCE OF FAMILY

Genesis 29:12-14

He explained to Rachel that he was her cousin on her father’s side—the son of her aunt Rebekah. So Rachel quickly ran and told her father, Laban.

As soon as Laban heard that his nephew Jacob had arrived, he ran out to meet him. He embraced and kissed him and brought him home. When Jacob had told him his story,

Laban exclaimed, “You really are my own flesh and blood!”

The essence of family is to have one to run to when there is need of help. Thus we must not separate ourselves from good family for we are meant to be there for one another. Some friendships/relationships have blossomed to become family. This is why scripture record:

Proverbs 18:24

There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.

Do not think of throwing away a good relationship for a temporal one. Truly not all who call themselves friends or family are truly one. Discord may arise but a true relationship will stand the test.

Esau was doing it all wrong from the beginning. From his wrong exchange to marrying the wrong women, his choices seem to be all wrong. He even allowed the thought of Cain to enter his mind.

Genesis 27:41

From that time on, Esau hated Jacob because their father had given Jacob the blessing. And Esau began to scheme: “I will soon be mourning my father’s death. Then I will kill my brother, Jacob.”

He seems not to fall in with anyone at the home front. One major factor for this is his not having a relationship with the Heavenly Father. I do not believe Isaac did a good job on this. For the covenant was to be passed down from Father to children from generation to generation. Recall:

Genesis 18:19

I have singled him out so that he will direct his sons and their families to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just. Then I will do for Abraham all that I have promised.”

Every member of the family was to be taught to keep the way of the Lord. (Are we doing this?)

Whether Esau was taught right and he decided to rebel or he was not led aright we are not told. Esau just kept making the wrong choices.

We must thread carefully as we journey through life. People may err, our response is to lovingly correct and as scripture records:

Hebrews 12:14

Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.

The first part instructs us not to carry any grievance or evil intention against anyone. No matter what they have done or plan to do, you are not to join in their wrong by hoarding evil intentions in your heart. Remain the loving one that you are, instead avoid them.

Jacob had to run away.

Secondly, holiness.

Holiness is our separation to God. We cannot trade it for anything else. Our family status with the Heavenly Father far surpasses any family we can think of. For humans may disappoint but God cannot disappoint.

Hebrews 13:5b

For God has said, 

“I will never fail you. 

I will never abandon you.”

We must keep our good family ties. Our first family should be of the Heavenly Father thus all his family members should be ours too. The same way we must keep our family ties with our biological family and also family by reason of good relationship.

We are here to be a blessing to one another. Not to fight one another. Discord will not always bring about joint progress. 

May we never be the author or architect of discord. 

Proverbs 6:16,19

There are six things the Lord hates— no, seven things he detests:

a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family.

May God's love reign in our hearts.

Help us Good Lord.

He calls us blessed.

Love

@the watcher