Genesis 33-34

What an awesome chapter on restitution and forgiveness! It is so clear that Esau no longer had any negative feelings towards Jacob for stealing his blessing. Earlier, he wanted to kill him- now we see the two brothers embracing one another! All along it seems that since Jacob stole Esau's blessing, Esau is left empty handed, when in fact God has been working behind the scenes over a long period of time (over 20 years). Jacob was blessed tremendously with livestock/servants/family and now wants to give his possessions to Esau as a matter of reconciliation. Though hesitant at first, Esau accepts the offer from Jacob. I'm sure that was an unexpected blessing for Esau. After all this time he could have grown bitter, but instead his heart was softened and he ended up with more than he needed.

It is amazing how much anger can fill, enough to the point of destruction. Simeon and Levi, brother's of Dinah, were so enraged at what Shechem had done to their sister, that they plundered the city where Shechem lived, killed him and his father, and much more. Rage is a dangerous thing. Getting your thought life under control may not be easy, but the consequences of not controlling those thoughts can lead to actions that you may regret.