To Settle Your Past, You Need To Reset The Relationship.

You cannot undo the past.

You can repeat the past.

You can mess up the future.

Alternatively, you can prayerfully reset your past.

Ask Jacob. Genesis 33.

More than  20 years ago he had cheated on his brother. Deceived and manipulated his brother to rob his brother’s birthright and blessing.

His brother never forgave him. Was bitter enough to plot his murder.

Jacob ran away without settling his past.

But fast forward 20 years later. Jacob is a different man. He is broken and changed.

He wants to set right what he did wrong.

When he heard his brother is coming to meet him with a band of 400 men, Jacob is not ready for a fight. Jacob wants to reset the relationship.

Like Jacob, we may have messed up our past. Broken relationships. Refused to settle issues. Made more enemies than friends.

But like Jacob it is time to reset your past.

Firstly, come to God and be ready to change(Genesis 32). Humble myself before God and let Him change me.

Secondly, be willing to give respect to your worst enemy(Genesis 32:20) Jacob decided to respect Esau by honouring him with gifts. Do whatever it takes to repair the hurt.

Thirdly, humble yourself (Gen 33:4) Jacob bowed himself 7 times before his brother. His acts of humility set the tone for the meeting.

Fourthly, seek a brand new relationship(Gen 33: 10-11) Jacob did not just give gifts. He did not just ‘act’ out in humility. Jacob wanted a brand new relationship. A relationship where he saw in his brother ‘the face of God’

To settle your past you need to reset the relationship.

Restart your relationship with God.

Repair the hurt by giving respect.

Reset  your relationship with someone you hurt the most.

Prayer:

O Lord, help me restart my relationship with you. Help me reset the relationship I have broken. Amen.