I love how clear Joseph’s kindness is to his brothers — even if we didn’t see it between the lines of what he says, we can see it said explicitly in verse 21. To speak kindly to those who intentionally bring you harm and be a source of comfort to the ones who go out of their way to bring you discomfort requires the understanding, peace, and love-in-action that only God can supply.
As we looked at Joseph’s story on Sunday, I felt convicted by the way that Joseph was generous in kindness towards his family as soon as he got the chance. To me, that displays the way that God had already worked out the forgiveness in Joseph’s heart, which was necessary for him to be free to show mercy to his brothers. It’s a good reminder to take seriously what God brings up in our hearts to process through.
I wonder what God is bringing up in us today that, when healed/forgiven/redeemed, could lead to new life not only in us and in our relationships but trickling out to those around us and then to those around them and beyond. Joseph’s story shows us that sometimes the most painful paths can lead to (spiritual and/or literal) life and redemption for our good and God’s glory.