Broken relationships rarely heal on their own. Time may dull the sting, but it doesn’t repair the damage. Offense left unaddressed becomes like a slow-growing root, spreading into our thoughts, our attitudes, and eventually into every relationship connected to us. Scripture warns that bitterness can trouble us and contaminate the people around us—not because we want it to, but because unattended wounds always widen.
The story of Jacob and Esau shows this clearly. Years passed after Jacob’s deception, but the distance between them never closed. Jacob ran, Esau hurt, and nothing improved until God called Jacob to turn around and face the offense he helped create. Reconciliation began only when Jacob took a step—limping, fearful, but willing. The truth remains: offenses don’t fix themselves; healing starts when someone decides to move.
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;”
Hebrews 12:14-15 KJV
