Genesis 37:12-25; 50:15-21
Joseph's brothers definitely had some issues--jealousy, envy, anger--and unfortunately, they chose to deal with them poorly. Their behavior really reinforced for me just how powerful negative speech and thinking can be, not to mention how difficult it is to stand up for and/or do what is right when those around you fall victim to negative group thinking.
So what are some things we can do so that we don't jump on the discontentment bandwagon when the opportunity arises? And, when we sense a growing spirit of discontentment in ourselves or we're already there, what can we do to deal with and counteract that negativism? Tami W.
Reading this passage brings to mind several experiences of being involved with a group and the spirit of gossip is present. Yes gossip is a sin and it hurts people, but so many of us do it, sometimes unintentionaly. For me I have become more conscience of the slick ways satan uses to get me involved in gossip. And at first my way of dealing with it was to leave the group or end the conversation with someone, however that is not how Christ dealt with things. He spoke the truth in Love. That encourages me, whn I am in this situation to speak the truth in love to those who r gossiping intentionaly or not and turn the conversation to something possitive. It also allows me to b more sinsitive to the spirit if words of contentement area about to escape my lips.
I know that I get a lot of email gossip-Satan's new tool. I often look up the alleged comments/incident on snopes.com to see if it is true and I email the person and all of the other recipients (reply all is great!) with the correct info. I do this even when it is about a person I don't like. I have to say that it is easier to do this when something is on the computer and not face to face. I am trying to be more bold about speaking the truth when I am in a group of people who are speaking gossip.
When the group is against everything, speaking negatively or dealing harshly, we must first pray for that group of people. We should remind them of God's word and that may not always be easy. I am dealing with this almost daily. I try to be the positive light in my work place and find the good in everyone, but pointing out someone's good qualities to a person filled with negativity against that person one can soon be broken down.
I have a person who is very negative and often times I walk away wondering why. I pray that she is delivered from all that she is against.
When I find myself getting caught up, I ask God for forgiveness and pray for that person. This is an area where I truly need help for Our Father. I keep telling myself and others that I am not a vessel for gossip.
If we are all ready in a state of discontentment suround yourself around positive people. Gather strength from your fellow christians.
Pray and ask for help in what is getting you down. Like arlene says don't get involved in the gossip crowd, we are not suppose to speak ill of anyone. Like i said surround yourself in positive thinking people listent to christian music and praises.
I think it says a lot to what God can do. Joseph's brothers hated him because their father loved him so much. His mother was the woman he loved so much and they were Leah's children. They felt that Israel treated them differently because of who their mother was. They were so filled with hate that they put him in a cistern and then sold him as a slave. But Joseph forgave them of what they did, God did that. God protected and provided for Joseph and Joseph did what God would have done, he forgave his brothers.