The story of Hagar and Sarah in Genesis 16 and 21 is messy, to say the least. It’s full of tension, injustice, and pain. Many people demonize Sarah for the way she mistreated Hagar, and rightfully so. But what’s often overlooked is that this is a story of two women being restored by God’s love. 

Hagar’s story is heartbreaking. As an “Egyptian slave-girl,” she was powerless and used by Sarah to bear a child for her. When Hagar became pregnant, she looked at Sarah with contempt, and Sarah lashed out, treating her harshly. Hurt and afraid, Hagar ran into the wilderness. Yet, God found her there. The angel of the Lord promised to “multiply [her] offspring” and restore her hope. By naming God El-Roi, “the God who sees me,” Hagar boldly declared that despite the injustice she endured, she was not invisible to God. 

But Sarah’s pain matters, too. Her barrenness made her feel inadequate, threatening her identity and societal standing as Abram’s wife. God’s grace met her despite her failures. God redeemed her story by giving her Isaac, turning her sorrow into laughter, and fulfilling the promise of descendants. 

This story reminds us that God’s justice is bigger than we imagine. It doesn’t pick sides but seeks to restore the oppressed and those who have caused harm, offering healing and hope for all.