What a perfect opportunity to settle the score. I can only imagine the emotions that must have been running through Joseph at the sight of his brothers--particularly when they say to him "No, my lord, your servants have come to buy food." (Gen. 42:10) But Joseph doesn't do it. Almost unbelievable.
This passage made me realize that there are going to be times when I need to step back and let God deal with the person who has offended me. That's tough because my flesh wants justice--and typically immediately.
So when one of these situations arises, how can we step back and let God handle it? Tami W.
That has happend to me recently with a family member. I get so frustrated and angry. She always does it in an area that i cannot respond when actualy it is good. It gives me time to seteetle down. She is so angry and bitter inside it is actualy tearing her up emotionaly. I have done nothing but try to help her so the only conclusion I think is just that she is just envious of me and my relationship in my marriage and friends. She started going back to church and it is mine. I get glad when I see her their but often get alittle angry cause of the little jabs she does that is unwaranted. Somtimes I fee she just wants to rial me cause I use to have a bad temper along time ago. She moved down in my area 1 yr ago after her divorce. We helped her get set up and going with her own place and supported her till she was suficient. I pray everyday for her and I forgive her but I have to give it to the Lord. Sometimes its hard cause I want to scream at her but I just ask the lord to help her and birdal my tonge. So far sucessfull and only because the Lord helps me. I just try to drop it and I am realizing it is getting easier each time.
I love this part of the Joseph story. It reminds me of many things I need to work on daily in my Christian walk! Primarily, it means walking away for me. Many times I am quick to get upset and say things I regret. I am too often immediate in the way I judge a situation and react in a negative way. For me, I really think the key is literally stepping back from the situation for a time to pray and think about what is going on. And always work toward the goal of being disciplined like Joseph to be able to handle situations like these in love....seemingly easily!
I agree with Jim. Stop and pray before you do or say anything. I wonder if the brothers finally saw the truth of what they had done in that moment. Joseph did give them a little taste of what he experienced; perhaps so he could seek God before sending them back. I am sure he would have been shocked to see them. He gives them a shock too by returning their money and keeping Simeon!
Itotaly agree with Jim. Many times I just react when i feel ofended by someone, I forget my Christian walk and what the word of God said to be still and know that he is God. And that vengenge is his.But the heat of the moment cause me to spew venum out of my mouth and then regre what I said. I am learning to be still and also praying seeking Gog to tame my tongue.
James 1:19 - "But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger". We must remember and follow this Scripture when dealing with those who we would rather show our anger and speak many words.
Like Jim said, we need to STOP and PRAY before we respond in a manner that is not Christlike.
I agree with Jim and wish we could have enough patience to stop and pray before anger takes over. Sometimes we say justice but want revenge. If we take the time to pray and think about all the eternal blessings we have and how non important revenge is. well maybe we could act more mature or wise spiritually
Well said Jim. Avoiding any type of conflict is the best thing to do. Remember we are Jesus' ambassadors and we have to do our best not to allow anyone to "fluster" us. The best way to avoid this is to call on our Lord and Saviour. He came down to save us and He loves when we are on His side. I just decided to check the blog before I went to bed. Thanks for all the comments and good night and may God bless us always.
This was very timely for me, in that we had a situation last night that caused me to be very upset, and I too need to stop,think and pray before I react. I am afraid I was not so good at that, it was not so much about revenge but fear. And that revenge was being taken out on us. God is so very timely. Thank you.
I totaly agree with Jim. I have had that pay back feeling before. I remember working with this guy who always said get them before they get you. He always thought of being first.your feelings did not matter. I thank god that I have control of the human emotion pay back. What if Jesus payed us human beings back for going to the cross.Thank god he forgives us. I am draw to the passage in Matthew 6:14,15 If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly father will forgive you. But if you forgive not men their trespasses ,neither will your father forgive your trespasses. revenage, payback are all worldly emotions we most be above reproach. If not we will fall into sinful ways, that godly people should not have . step back and pray don;t ever make haste or the tongue will speak before the heart know what to say. life is not personal stay on the winning team Jesus is our example.