January 23, 2005
Carlon Tschetter, Covenant Community Church, Yukon, Oklahoma

MESSAGE: "Getting Over a Grudge"          Genesis 33:1-20

Big Idea: When a relationship is strained or broken, first, make sure your own
heart is right with God, then trust HIm to work in the hearts of others as well.

I. How a Relationship Went Bad
           A. It began with the rejection of anything spiritual. (Esau)
           B. It got worse with parental favoritism. (Isaac & Rebekah)
           C. It hit rock bottom with trickery and deception. (Jacob)

II. How a Bad Relationship Was Made Good
           A. Two brothers coming together vs. 1-11
                      1. The Meeting vs. 1-3a
                                 a. Preparation
                                 b. Favoritism
                                 c. Courage
                      2. The Greeting vs. 3b-4
                                a. Jacob's apprehension = fear & guilt
                                b. Esau's eagerness = forgiven & forgotten
                      3. The Questions vs.5-8
                                 a. Who are all these people?
                                 b. What is all this stuff?
                      4. The Discussion vs. 9-11
                                 a. Contentment
                                 b. Blessing
           B. Two brothers choosing to separate vs. 12-17
                      1. The gracious offers
                      2. The deceptive talker
           C. Jacob at Shechem vs. 18-20
                     
III. Applications - You and Your Relationships
           A. Questions to ponder:
                      1. Have I offended anyone and allowed time to build up a spirit
                                 of bitterness making the offense greater and deeper?
                      2. Have I been offended by someone and failed to forgive, giving
                                 place to resentment and bitterness?
                      3. If either is true, make it right. The ball is in your court.
           B. A Plan to Follow
                      1. Pray
                      2. Take the initiative
                      3. Make restitution
                      4. Trust God to change hearts
                      5. Let go of vain imaginations