Getting Rid of Baggage | Audio Reading | Our Daily Bread Devotional | October 28, 2024

Getting Rid of Baggage

In the reading titled "Getting Rid of Baggage," authored by Jennifer Benson Schult, the theme revolves around the emotional burdens we carry from past experiences, particularly those involving hurt, resentment, or unresolved conflict. The author reflects on her college days, where she was required to carry a heavy textbook containing the works of William Shakespeare. This physical burden eventually caused her discomfort and even led to a broken book bag fastener, serving as a metaphor for the weight of emotional baggage that individuals often carry in their lives.

The crux of the message is that emotional baggage—like the bitterness and hatred stemming from past wrongs—can weigh us down significantly. However, the encouraging message is that through forgiveness and, when possible, reconciliation, we can find the freedom that God desires for us. The process of forgiveness may take time, especially when the pain runs deep, but it is a necessary journey for healing.

In the biblical narrative from Genesis 33, the story of Jacob and Esau provides a profound example of forgiveness and reconciliation. Following many years of estrangement due to Jacob's deception in stealing Esau's birthright and blessing, the two brothers finally come face to face again. Jacob, recognizing the gravity of his past actions, approaches Esau with humility, bowing down multiple times in an act of respect. Esau, in turn, runs to Jacob and embraces him, indicating that he has let go of the anger that once consumed him, even considering murder.

Their reunion is filled with emotional depth; both brothers shed tears, showcasing the pain and love they have for each other. Esau is curious about Jacob's family, and Jacob introduces his children with honor, demonstrating the grace and mercy that God has extended to him. When Jacob insists that Esau accept his gifts, it symbolizes the reconciliation that has taken place and acknowledges the grace that has been at work in both their lives.

The reading emphasizes the importance of seeking forgiveness when we’ve wronged others and the necessity of extending forgiveness to those who have hurt us. The strength to confront these relationships and the healing from deep emotional wounds is presented as a process facilitated by God. The author wraps up with a prayer asking for the strength to seek forgiveness and the comfort to heal our own hearts, solidifying the theme of liberation from past hurts through the grace of God.

In summary, "Getting Rid of Baggage" illustrates how the weight of emotional scars can hinder our lives, but through faith, forgiveness, and reconciliation, we can achieve a state of spiritual freedom and healing.

#forgiveness #reconciliation #emotionalhealing