Our Role Model

The first time I ever read the story of Joseph and his brothers in the book of Genesis, I couldn’t help but wish for the same compassion Joseph showed his brothers. After having his own heart destroyed by the betrayal, Joseph spent the next years rebuilding.  By the grace of God, he was raised up from a slave to a very powerful ruler.

God showed Joseph what it means to have your identity built on Him alone and not on what has happened to you.

What Does The Bible Say?

Genesis 50:19-21 says, “But Joseph replied, ‘As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this— to preserve the lives of many people. Therefore do not be afraid. I will provide for you and your little ones.’ So Joseph reassured his brothers and spoke kindly to them.…”

In that moment, Joseph had a choice. His brothers begged him for help, having no idea who they stood before. He could decide to act out of his anger and dismiss his family just like they dismissed him. Instead, God worked in him to choose the path of the righteous. Joseph did so joyfully and with utmost compassion and love for his brothers.

Compassion Is Not An Easy Assignment

This does not come easy for me. In my own pain of having been betrayed by a loved one, I did not turn to compassion. But God uses our moments of deep hurt to show just how good He truly is. Compassion can take many forms, whether it is compassion for ourselves and learning to release ourselves from abuse. Whether it’s choosing joy for ourselves. It can also mean finding softness in our hearts to see another person in their pain and letting them know they’re not alone.

This kind of compassion only comes when we come out from the other side of sorrow, and it is a beautiful gift from God the Redeemer. When He has worked in us to bring healing to our souls, He can work THROUGH us to boldly encourage and support that same healing for others, “to preserve the lives of many people.”

By Jaz