Standing in Grace (Part 2 of 5): Grace Brings Restoration
“I have cattle and donkeys, sheep and goats, male and female servants. Now I am sending this message to my lord, that I may find favor in your eyes.” — Genesis 32:5 (NIV)
In the previous devotional, we saw how Noah stood in grace and was positioned for purpose. In this devotional, we see another example of grace at work — not in building an ark, but in rebuilding a broken relationship.
After the angels of God met Jacob, something shifted in his heart. He decided it was time to make things right with his brother Esau. Years earlier, Jacob had deceived Esau and taken the blessing that belonged to him. But now, after encountering God, Jacob chose humility. He divided portions of his wealth — cattle, donkeys, sheep, goats, and servants — and sent them ahead as gifts to his brother, hoping to find favor in his eyes.
“Thus says your servant Jacob, ‘I have sojourned with Laban and stayed until now. I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, male servants, and female servants. I have sent this message to my lord, in order that I may find favor in your sight.’” — Genesis 32:4–5 (ESV)
Jacob knew he couldn’t change the past. He couldn’t undo the pain he caused or erase his deception. But he also didn’t try to excuse his behavior. Instead, he approached his brother in humility — not as an equal, but as a servant — seeking forgiveness and reconciliation.
The gifts Jacob offered were more than material; they were acts of grace. What God had blessed him with during his time in Laban’s fields became the very means by which he sought peace. Jacob stood in grace — both in giving and in seeking restoration.
When we think about the people we’ve wronged or the relationships that have been broken, we often realize that apologies alone can’t undo the hurt. But when we come with a humble and sincere heart, grace begins to work. The grace of God softens hearts, heals wounds, and restores what once was broken.
Grace bridges the gap that offense creates. It gives both the offender and the offended a new way forward — one built on humility, forgiveness, and love.
Jacob’s story reminds us that grace not only restores us to God; it restores us to others. When we stand in grace, we open the door for healing and reconciliation that only God can bring.
Key Takeaways
Forgiveness is a gift of grace. It cannot be earned, but it can be received when we humble ourselves before God and others.
Standing in grace empowers right action. Grace gives us the courage to confront our past and make peace where we once caused pain.
Grace humbles and heals. When we stand in grace, it transforms pride into humility and restores relationships through the love of God.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
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