Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.—Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)

It wasn’t him. It couldn’t be! But the man sitting in front of me at church resembled my brother from the back—same bald spot, same ears, same slim build. When he turned, I saw it wasn’t my brother, but I couldn’t ignore the nudge from Jesus. I needed to get in touch with Bob. 

A dispute over our mother’s care had caused a rift between Bob and me. After Mother died, Bob told me he never wanted to see me again, and that was fine with me. 

It had been eleven years since I’d seen my brother. With time, the anger and bitterness had subsided, but pride prevailed. I wasn’t going to be the first one to beg for forgiveness. 

A few years ago, I began sending Bob Facebook messages wishing him a happy birthday, on his birthdate and on his sobriety birthday. Sometimes, he thanked me. Once, he even wished me a happy birthday. But neither of us apologized. 

After seeing that man at church, I went home, sat at my computer, and messaged Bob. “I’m so sorry for our estrangement, Bob. I miss you!” Within minutes, his response came back. “I’m sorry, too, Sis, and I miss you.” 

Months later, Bob’s daughter called. He was in ICU. I visited once he was released into hospice care. We hugged, cried, and forgave each other. Thanks to Jesus, my brother and I reconciled. Two days later, Bob went to heaven.

Faith Step: Follow Jesus’s example of forgiving another as He has forgiven you. Just don’t wait too long.