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Jacob Bible Study – Genesis 34

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My sister Bonnie and I used to fight, and when I say “used to,” I mean it was constant. It seemed like there wasn’t a day that went by without one of us losing our temper and slamming a door. One day, Bonnie urgently called me into the house, saying I had to hurry. So, I dashed in through the back door and into the kitchen, only to trip over a cord she had tied to the stove. I went face-first onto the linoleum floor. A few days later, I called her upstairs from the basement, and just as she got to the top, I pushed her right back down the stairs. Looking back, I can’t believe how often we were at each other’s throats. I never understood why we fought as much as we did. Our friends didn’t fight with their siblings, my kids didn’t fight, but for some reason, it seemed as though we just couldn’t stop.

As we got older, and Bonnie got stronger, I figured that the only way I could vent my frustration was by waiting to catch her off guard. And so, one day when she left the house, I decided to lay claim to a beautiful carpet she had in her room. With the help of my niece, we spent the whole afternoon moving her furniture off of the carpet, dragging it into my room, and setting up my stuff on top. When Bonnie got home, she was livid. And while she was pounding her fists on my door, I reclined on my bed quietly flipping through a teen magazine.

Bonnie and I came to the Lord in our teen years. As we tried to live out our faith, we knew that anger was a stronghold we needed to fight. In fact, we’d often pray about it together, asking that God would help us overcome our struggle with anger and strife. It wasn’t easy, and it took a lot of prayer, but by the help of the Holy Spirit we got there.

Looking at Genesis chapter 34 we see the devastating result of unbridled anger. In this chapter, we read about Jacob’s daughter Dinah, who was violated by Shechem, the son of Hamor. In response, Simeon and Levi deceitfully plotted against the men of Shechem, ultimately killing them and plundering their city. Their actions, fueled by anger and a desire for revenge, illustrates us how destructive our emotions can be.

It’s not every day we experience the kind of injustice that Jacob’s family went through, but we do face situations that bring up the same feelings of anger and strife. People who make us want to lash out, situations that get the better of us, moments when we’re unfairly treated or misunderstood.

So, what do we do? We cling to Paul’s words in Romans 12:19, which wisely instruct us, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” This verse is crucial for us, as it reminds us that God is the ultimate judge. Our job is to step back and let Him do His.

This chapter was a heavy chapter, but it’s something we all need to learn, remember, and above all take to heart. If you’re struggling with anger, I’m right there with you, sister. I’ve been there many times, and I know how discouraging this stronghold can be. So, from my heart to yours, I’m going to leave you with a few practical steps to help you overcome:

1. Pray fervently
   Keep bringing your struggles to God. He’s always ready to listen while the Holy Spirit will provide you with strength.
   
   
2. Practice often
   Choosing forgiveness and grace isn’t always easy, but the more you do it, the more it becomes a part of you.
   
   
3. Give yourself grace
   When you fall short, come to God with a repentant heart. He’s always willing to forgive, and His mercy is new every morning. Remember, we’re all human, and God’s grace is abundant.

I’ll tell you something, friend. As you begin to pray and lean on the Holy Spirit, you’ll begin to see others differently—not as enemies, but as fellow travelers on this journey through life. Prayer shifts our perspective and helps us respond with grace, even when it’s difficult to do so.

This Week’s Challenge

This week, let’s start each day with a prayer, asking God for the strength to choose grace over anger. If you find yourself in a challenging situation, pause and take a moment to ask for God’s guidance. At the end of the day, take a few minutes to reflect and ask God for forgiveness for any moments where you fell short. Let’s make a conscious effort to grow in grace and forgiveness together.

This Week’s Bible Verse

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Week at a Glance

We only have two sections this week so we have assignments for two of the days. 

TUESDAY: GENESIS 34:1-24

Watch this week’s video at Time-Warp Wife or on Youtube (subscribe while you’re there)

Print off this week’s Bible verse at Time-Warp Wife.

Go through the section in your study guide for Genesis 34:1-24, and answer the questions at the end of that section.

Check in on the community at: facebook.com/groups/biblestudies. If you are new to the group, now is a good time to introduce yourself. While you are there, maybe you could drop in a friendly message wishing others a blessed week, or share a prayer for the week ahead.

WEDNESDAY – Genesis 34:25-31

Go through the section in your study guide for Genesis 34:25-31, and answer the questions at the end of that section.

Share your reflections in the Facebook group.

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