Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
“Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph; does my father still live?” But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed in his presence. And Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near to me.” So they came near. Then he said: “I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt.”
— Genesis 45:3-4 NKJV
Joseph could have been bitter with his brothers, but he was not. Instead, he kept his heart clean. Rather than get even with them, Genesis 45:3-4 says Joseph gave them the gift of love. Joseph was envied by his brothers, taken away from his father, sold into slavery, and thrown into prison for supposedly committing a crime that he had nothing to do with. Yet Joseph kept his heart clean. He could have been bitter with his brothers, but he forgave them. In the end, God turned his sorrow into joy because Joseph chose to keep his heart clean. In all the hurt and disappointment that Joseph experienced, he was not remorseful toward his brothers nor bitter with them.
Be Compassionate
Bitterness is the one thing that will postpone your blessing. It’s like taking poison and waiting for the person you’re angry with to die. Don’t allow bitterness to postpone your blessing. Fight bitterness with love. Bitterness is an action, a negative emotion that can consume you and prevent you from experiencing God’s blessings. Forgiveness, on the other hand, is a choice. It’s a decision to let go of the hurt and anger and to release the other person from the debt they owe you. Love, however, is a gift. It’s a powerful force that can overcome bitterness and lead to healing and restoration.
Know and believe that your heavenly Father loves you; He has given you the gift of love. But how can you be sure that God the Father loves you? Although you walked contrary to His ways, He did not withhold His Son, His only Son, the Son whom He loved, but gave Him up that you might become sons and daughters of the Most-High.
Heavenly Father, I ask that You help me walk in love today. Do not allow bitterness to take root in my heart. Help me love my enemies, bless those who curse me, do good to those who hate me, and pray for those who have put it in their hearts to use and persecute me despitefully. Lord, You said there is no fear in love, but love casts out fear because fear involves torment. I will devote this day to walking in the love of the Father as I think about the gift of love You gave me: the gift of Your Son. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen
