Chaplain’s Chat

We learn a lot about ourselves when we make mistakes. As some suggest, we learn more from our mistakes than when we have success. Of course, we all make mistakes in life and it is interesting how we respond to these errors. In some instances, we are fairly quick to own up to our mistakes, while at other times we will try and hide from our mistakes. When people know what we have done wrong, there is little to hide from!

The wonderful narrative of Genesis reminds us of Jacob, the man who continued to make mistakes and yet God continued to remain faithful to his promises. After Jacob had deceived his brother a number of times and fled for his life, they finally had a chance to meet up again. Jacob still thought his brother, Esau, was angry with him for what he had done. So, as he travelled to meet him, he sent gifts to try and ease the apparent tensions between the two. Don’t we often try and do this in our lives when mistakes happen? We will try and make up for it somehow! Esau, at this point in the story, accepts Jacob back despite these apparent gifts from Jacob. God remains faithful in all of this and we are reminded that when we make mistakes it is not about us giving God gifts to appease him. Quite the opposite, it is us receiving God’s generous gift of forgiveness through the giving of his Son Jesus for us. A great gift indeed.

Reverend Anthony Benn
School Chaplain