Jacob traveled to Paddan-aram to find a wife and to flee from his older brother’s wrath. Years later, he had that wife – and three others – as well as many children and considerable wealth because of a shrewd arrangement he had made with Laban. Once again, the uncle and nephew found themselves in a match of wits.

But it was time for the wayward son to return home; God had told him so (v. 3). And so, as only seemed fitting, Jacob snuck away with his family and possessions, running from Laban without telling him. Of course this didn’t go over well with Laban, who chased Jacob and his daughters, catching up to them a week later.

The interaction between Jacob and Laban reminds us that relationships, even within families, can be messy at times. And in order to experience the type of reconciliation the Bible calls for, it is also important to be reminded that both parties bring their individual sin into the relationship. So, we should constantly be asking ourselves, “How has my sin contributed to the situation? How can I try to make things right?” If Jacob or Laban had asked themselves that question, maybe their relationship would have been different.

• Are there any relationships in your life that need healing? What steps can you take toward reconciliation this week?