Handling Family Hurts

One Year Bible
Old Testament passage for Friday, December 13, 2013: Obadiah 1:1-21

¹² “But you should not have gazed on the day of your brother in the day of his captivity; nor should you have rejoiced over the children of Judah in the day of their destruction; nor should you have spoken proudly in the day of distress.  Obadiah 1:12 (NKJV)

There are few things as painful as a family fight.  The shortest book in the Old Testament deals with one of the biggest problems: family hurts.

Obadiah prophecies to Edom.  The Edomites are the descendants of Esau.  We read in the Book of Genesis about the animosity that developed between brothers: Jacob and Esau. 

Now, perhaps 1,500 years later, the feud continues.

When God brought severe judgment on Israel, Edom stood by (Obadiah 1:12-13).  They actually assisted Babylon in the destruction of Jerusalem.

Here are a few thoughts:

1.  God wants brothers to love each other.
2.  Broken relationships can last for a life-time.
3.  God's blessing on your life can depend on how you treat your brother.

One of the most important things any of us can do is to determine to keep short accounts.  Forgive quickly.  Even more than that, bless one another.  When we do that, we are most like our heavenly Father.