Tuesdays with Jacob

Read Genesis 31:51-55 – Then Laban said to Jacob, “Here is this heap and here is this pillar, which I have placed between you and me. This heap is a witness, and this pillar is a witness, that I will not pass beyond this heap to you, and you will not pass beyond this heap and this pillar to me, for harm. The God of Abraham, the God of Nahor, and the God of their father judge between us.” And Jacob swore by the Fear of his father Isaac. Then Jacob offered a sacrifice on the mountain, and called his brethren to eat bread. And they ate bread and stayed all night on the mountain. And early in the morning Laban arose, and kissed his sons and daughters and blessed them. Then Laban departed and returned to his place. (NKJV)

Conflicts can be solved. They should be. But too often, people allow conflicts to perpetuate. They avoid people, speak badly about people, but don’t take the steps to bring an end to the turmoil. The stress just keeps on piling up. For all their problems, Laban and Jacob should be commended for finally resolving their issues. They have fought against and deceived each other for most of two decades, but now a pillar is set up to mark their boundaries, and both men agree to live by the terms they have reached. If you are facing ongoing conflict with a family member or former friend, isn’t it time to resolve the issues? The longer you wait, the more anxiety and frustration you will face. Consider taking the necessary steps to solve the struggle. Like Laban and Jacob, you may not part as close friends—the relationship might never be what it once was—but find a way to end the turmoil and free yourself from the emotional entanglement that the conflict has brought to your life.

– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.