All throughout my Christian walk, I have heard many messages that have used Joseph to exemplify forgiveness and the need to be void of resentment and bitterness.
However, a microscopic study of Joseph's life shows traits of resentment and bitterness towards his brothers. We can only then imagine what he might have done to Potiphar and his wife when he finally became lord over them, and even their supply of food depended on him.
When the very ten sons of Jacob who had connived and sold him into slavery, approached him to buy food, Joseph recognised them. If Joseph was indeed not full of bitterness, he would have readily embraced them and revealed who he was to his brothers. But the pain and hurt in his human heart led him to show them 'where power lies.' To Joseph, his present situation was a perfect place and position to serve his brothers their just desserts.
And how invigorating to his hurt and bitter heart it was to speak harshly to his brothers, and to throw them behind bars for three days. Intermittently, his pain and bitterness was exposed as he hid and wept. Those tears, I reckon, used to be his daily routine in his time of pain and trials. When everything was so unfair. When often he wondered what was happening to him. As he tried to figure out why he had so many enemies.
Joseph was a good and godly man, but was sore at heart, and rightfully so! How many times do we as Christians pretend not to be hurt when indeed we are so pained. We are so often reminded to be forgiving that we feel condemned when we show bitter feelings. But truth is, even God bitterly expresses His pain and hurt when we choose to betray Him and walk in sin.
To be hurt and bitter after being badly hurt can be understandable. However, there is a greater force called love that can seat us above bitterness and hurt. As Joseph dealt with his brothers, he dangled between love and bitterness. The love in his heart made him show kindness to his brothers by returning their monies in their sacks.
Keep tuned as we study how Joseph eventually let go.
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