23 So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe—the ornate robe he was wearing— 24 and they took him and threw him into the cistern. The cistern was empty; there was no water in it. Genesis 37:23-24
19 When his master heard the story his wife told him, saying, “This is how your slave treated me,” he burned with anger. 20 Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined. Genesis 39:19-20
We see two accounts of Joseph being shafted by those around him. He loved his brothers and feared his master, yet they all ended up betraying him.. He was thrown away and sold by his own blood. He was framed by his master's wife and thrown into jail although he was innocent. And all throughout this terrible time, there isn't one thing in the Bible that said that Joseph complained or was angry at any of them. Instead he held steadfast and faithful to the Lord and his DREAM, and in turn God was with him wherever he went.
When Rev. Jeymes talked about Joseph's ability to forgive those who sinned against him.. I reflected upon my own character and how difficult it is for me to forgive others who have hurt me. I mean, did he not even get mad or frustrated?? It really hit me to the core when I read through this passage... God's been showing me left and right to teach me to forgive. I pray and pray and pray to Him to help me let go of my resentments and learn to truly forgive those who have wronged me. I pray to Him that I be slow to anger and abound in love.. Why is it so difficult to do so? Am I not praying hard enough?
