In Front | Workbook: Group Tensions and Family Inheritance

Grab your Workbook Journal!

[Record your answers in the workbook provided at the beginning of this course.]

The fallout that occurred between the descendants of Jacob and Esau remained violent and vengeful through many generations. 

3. Describe the most significant ongoing group tension that concerns you. (This may include ethnic, racial, socio-economic, religious, tribal or national tensions.)

4. How does the biblical view of tribal “brothers” influence your view of how people should reconcile in the tension you described?

You may have personally experienced tension within your family, where rivalry over inheritance, among other things, has damaged relationships. 

One of the most destructive events in the lives of families can be the reading of a will. The years that follow can be more harmful yet. Wounds and perceived slights fester and families are torn apart. 

Though we read of reconciliation between Esau and Jacob in Genesis, the Edomites never got over Esau’s loss of birthright to his brother. 

5. Who in your family do you sense tension with over inheritance or some other historic event?

6. Esau seems to have come to terms with Jacob’s actions. His descendants, however, held a grudge. Reflect on any family disputes that may even have been taken up more by other family members than the one who was wronged.

7. How does the history of Jacob and Esau and their descendants provide a lesson that might inspire you to seek reconciliation in your own family?