Why does the first verse refer to Esau as "Esau, his brother," while the second verse simply calls him "his brother"? Yaacov knew that despite Esau's hatred for him, Esau held brotherly love for him deep in his heart for "his brother." However, Esau's love for Yaacov was covered up and consumed by "Esau's" seething anger, arrogance, and jealousy. Yaacov wisely sent many valuable gifts to Esau in order to appease his anger and animosity. Afterwards, Yaacov approached Esau, bowing down as he drew nearer and nearer. Finally, with the impact of the seventh bow the enmity of "Esau" melted away, revealing the brotherly love in his heart. Esau was moved with great emotion and affection for Yaacov "his brother." Instead, of attacking Yaacov, Esau embraced his brother, and Yaacov was safe from his brother's wrath.
Moral: Love always exists deep in the heart between family members and friends. Challenging relationships can be transformed to good, even if they seem impossible to change. Constant gestures of love, one followed by the next, have the power to reveal the true inner feelings of the heart.
Application: Reflect on a relationship that you would like to improve. Focus on the fact that your dear ones holds love for you in his or her heart, just as you hold for them. Send them gifts, letters of affection, text messages, etc., expressing your care and fondness for them. When you meet, keep in mind your mutual love, and your feelings of affection, respect, and care.
(Based on the commentary of the Saba M'Kelm to the Torah)
