Day 15: Give Them Space

15 Jan, 2019

The Daily Word: Tuesday, January 15th, 2019
Genesis 31:17-32:12
Matthew 10:24-11:6
Psalm 13:1-6
Proverbs 3:16-18
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Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
And Laban said to Jacob: “What have you done, that you have stolen away unknown to me, and carried away my daughters like captives taken with the sword? Why did you flee away secretly, and steal away from me, and not tell me; for I might have sent you away with joy and songs, with timbrel and harp?” – Gen 31:26-27

Laban created an unhealthy situation by not listening when Jacob told him he needed space. Jacob first came to Laban in Gen 30:25-26:

And it came to pass, when Rachel had borne Joseph, that Jacob said to Laban, “Send me away, that I may go to my own place and to my country. Give me my wives and my children for whom I have served you, and let me go; for you know my service which I have done for you.”

Jacob had faithfully served Laban many years. He wanted to go home. He wanted his father-in-law’s blessing to start a new life with his own family! But Laban didn’t listen. He pretended not to hear Jacob. So, Jacob waited until Laban was gone, and then he fled.

Don’t push your loved ones away by ignoring the warning signs. If someone you love needs space, give them space! If someone you love needs time, give them time. Making sure everyone has the space they need will lead to a happy, healthy family, filled with love.

Prayer:

Father, give me wisdom and discernment to respond appropriately to my family. When someone needs space, let me know! I will respect them, in Jesus’ name.

Archives
See commentary from this day in 2014.
See commentary from this day in 2015.
See commentary from this day in 2016.
See commentary from this day in 2017.
See commentary from this day in 2018.

© Michael D. White, 2019. All rights reserved.