When we do not talk to the people we are in conflict with we only make our problems worse. Jacob was not in communication with his brother so he imagined his brother still raged with anger against him. This was not true; once Jacob and Esau met face to face, Esau embraced Jacob and welcomed him as a brother.

If there is someone you are angry with, or if you believe someone is angry with you, then you need to go and spend time with that person. It is always harder to be upset with someone in person. When we are not in communication with those we are in conflict with we are able to imagine the worst. We impart all kinds of emotions and thoughts on the other person; most of which are our own creation. Once we meet face to face and take the time to talk with one another we realize that the other person is just that, a person.

I have never met someone who set out to be evil, angry, or upsetting. Most people are trying to do the best they can and if we can readjust our attitudes to enable a conversation, most conflict will be diminished. It is my responsibility to seek out those I am in conflict with and treat them as people worthy of respect.