Resolution

Read Genesis 31:43–45, 48–50

Reflection

If you’ve ever been to a famous bridge, like the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, you might read some history or get shown some pictures to understand what it was like before the bridge was built. The separation between land masses meant that it was hard or even impossible to connect to the other side. It is quite an achievement that humans figured out a way to overcome that great big body of water.

There will be times in life when relationships disconnect because of disagreement, differences, and carelessness. We can be very close to someone, only to be pulled apart by wrongdoing, like two land masses separated by a deep body of water. Sometimes, we know that water will never go away. This is when we need to figure out how to build our bridge. Instead of wading through the impossible, we need to find a way to restore that connection.

Laban and Jacob were at a stand-off with what they wanted. They were both right at one time and both wrong at one time. This was the kind of fight where there were no winners. So, Laban built his bridge. In fact, he built a pile of stones. He found a way to get over his unhealthy emotions and commit to not hurting his nephew again. Together, he and Jacob worked on a path to restoration and acknowledged they were accountable to the Lord to keep true to their new commitment.

Consider and Pray

What bridges do you need to build? Pray for help to work through your emotions enough to extend Grace and forgiveness for the sake of restoring a right relationship with the people you love.