Lessons from Jacob’s Journey

Day 2 – The Power of Gifts in Making Peace

Thursday, October 23, 2025

“Then their father Israel said to them, ‘If it must be, then do this: Put some of the best products of the land in your bags and take them down to the man as a gift—a little balm and a little honey, some spices and myrrh, some pistachio nuts and almonds. Take double the amount of silver with you, for you must return the silver that was put back into the mouths of your sacks. Perhaps it was a mistake. Take your brother also and go back to the man at once. And may God Almighty grant you mercy before the man so that he will let your other brother and Benjamin come back with you. As for me, if I am bereaved, I am bereaved.’ …’It’s all right,’ he said. ‘Don’t be afraid. Your God, the God of your father, has given you treasure in your sacks; I received your silver.’ Then he brought Simeon out to them.”

Genesis 43:11–23 (NIV)

Faced with a crisis, Jacob employed an age-old strategy for making peace: he instructed his sons to carry gifts to Egypt as a sign of goodwill. This wasn’t manipulation—it was wisdom. He sent the best products of their land: balm, honey, spices, myrrh, pistachio nuts, and almonds. He also instructed them to return double the silver that had mysteriously been placed back in their sacks.

Jacob understood that gifts have the power to soften hearts and open doors where words alone might fall short.

Instead of the hostility and suspicion the brothers feared, they were received with unexpected kindness. The gifts and their honest approach created an atmosphere of peace rather than confrontation. What could have been a tense encounter became an opportunity for reconciliation.

The steward’s words—“Your God, the God of your father, has given you treasure”—revealed that their genuine gesture had been received with grace. Even their brother Simeon, whom they had left behind, was brought out to them safely.

Scripture affirms this principle throughout: “A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great” (Proverbs 18:16). Gifts carry a symbolic power; they communicate respect, humility, and a desire for peace. They demonstrate that we value the relationship more than being right or protecting our pride.

Sometimes generosity speaks louder than explanations. A thoughtful gesture can break down walls that a thousand words cannot penetrate.

Reflection

Who in your life do you need to reconcile with? Is there a relationship where tension has created distance? Sometimes, a gesture of kindness, generosity, or a humble approach can open the door to restoration where arguments and explanations have failed.

Prayer

“Father, give me wisdom to use kindness and generosity as tools of peace and reconciliation. Break the spirit of greed, insecurity, selfishness, pride, and fear from my life.

Help me to humble myself and extend gestures of goodwill to those with whom I need to make peace. Soften hearts, both mine and theirs, and create opportunities for restoration.

Father, thank You for being faithful through every trial. Help me see Your ‘way of escape’ in every situation. I receive endurance and victory through Christ.

My story is framed by God’s faithfulness. I will not be overtaken by temptation.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Daily Anchor Confession

“My life is shaped by God’s faithful narrative. No temptation will overpower me, for God makes a way of escape. My story is one of victory, endurance, and divine destiny.”

Best Practices for Spirit-Filled Living

• Pray in the Spirit daily (30–60 minutes)
• Journal regularly about how God is rewriting your personal narratives
• Speak daily confessions of truth to shape your thoughts and actions