Hatred: Favoritism's Fallout

It all started as a normal day.  A young brother was sent to check on his older brothers so their father could be assured everything was okay. The older brothers were envious of Joseph for he was their father’s favorite. To make matters worse, their father Jacob had given Joseph an expensive coat that clearly set him apart from his older brothers.   

 

It never occurred to Joseph as he left home that morning that this would be the last time he would see his home. When his brothers saw Joseph coming, the extent of their hatred and bitterness is recorded in Genesis 37:19. "Here comes that dreamer. Let’s kill him and say some ferocious animal devoured him. Then what will become of his dreams."

Thank God one of the brothers was mature enough to interject some sensibility into the situation. No matter how justifiable your anger and hatred may seem, God will give you an alternate way to respond to save you from the disaster hatred creates. Your responsibility is to listen and act according to the message and help that God sends to you.  

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When his brothers realized that their father loved him more than them, they grew to hate him – they wouldn’t even speak to him.

~GENESIS 37:4 The Message

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You must love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, practice loving your enemies and praying for your persecutors, to prove that you are children of your Father in heaven…”

~MATTHEW 5:43-45a Williams

Conflict: Deterrent or Encouragement to Change? - Part 3

Conflict can define a relationship. Conflict is about struggling for control to establish power and influence decision making. The very nature of conflict gives rise to the potential endangerment of a relationship’s safety and security. Regardless of how much individuals care for one another, disagreements can evolve into separation and alienation.

A man with custody of two young children married a woman who seemed to love and accept them. Yet he refused to let his new wife have much of a role in taking care of the children. The children, sensing their father’s protective role, refused to respond to their stepmother’s guidance, leaving her frustrated and hurt.

A change took place when the father became incapacitated, leaving the stepmother with the responsibility for the children. The father finally realized she was capable of loving and caring for his children. Trust and faith in her blossomed. When we see how God provides for our needs, faith and trust in his love and care become permanent.

Establishing Your Values? Choose Wisely - Part 1

When I was a fourth grader, life on the farm presented significant problems. My mother had been sick with high blood pressure. Abundant rain ruined my father’s crops. I was thrown from a horse and broke my arm. My uncle who witnessed this event, took me to Dr. Collins, the only doctor in the community, who set my arm.

Discouragement will come to visit everyone. If permitted, discouragement can strengthen personal values by clarifying what’s important. Values reflect our personal identity and help us to stand firm when confronted with hardships. Discouragement can cause others to lose sight of what’s ultimately important and produce regrettable choices.

Discouragement for my dad resulted in a change that he believed would be good for the family. Galatians 6:9 offers encouragement. "And let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we do not get discouraged and give up." The issue is to trust God to meet your needs. 

Choose to Control Your Weaknesses: God Will Help - Part 3

I appreciate the Apostle Paul’s honesty in owning up to his weaknesses. He confessed to doing the things he did not want to do and being unable to follow through on what he knew was right. Yet he could declare that where sin abounds, God's grace abounds even more, but then question, "Shall we sin deliberately so God’s grace might more abound?” He answers, “Absolutely not."

Weaknesses exist in each person, but allowing a weakness to dominate opens the door for evil to lay siege to the heart and mind. Consider Balaam’s attitude in Numbers 22. He knew what God required from him, but allowed the desire for social prestige and financial wealth to rule his choices.

When we try to hide or deny our weaknesses, a danger exists of their influence gaining power. The Apostle Paul petitioned God to take away his thorn in the flesh, which he identified as a weakness. God said His grace was sufficient to compensate for any weakness. God assured Paul that His power was made perfect in weakness. Isn't that good news? 

Choose to Control Your Weaknesses: God Will Help - Part 2

The search for happiness seems never-ending and elusive when dependent upon possessions and personal accomplishments. A couple sold their home and furnishings to live on a sailboat, a dream the couple had longed to do for years. It did however get a bit cramped when their adult children and grandchildren came aboard.

Some dreams pollute our moral and spiritual fiber, blinding us to who we are in Christ Jesus. The inordinate need for happiness can allow evil to infiltrate all we are and do. The mother of a musician pushed her son beyond his ability to cope with the pressure. His disappointment is expressed in these words: "We slave to gain a worthless treasure. A house without love is not a home."

Jesus encourages us to store up our treasures in heaven where they will be secure and safe. Treasures worthy of heaven are faith that produces works and deeds done in the name of Jesus, giving honor and glory to God. Jesus gives us joy and peace. These comprise the core for happiness.