The Penalties for Favoritism

With so much resentment and anger building up in the family, a crisis was imminent and would yield severe repercussions. Unresolved anger is dangerous since it doesn’t remain static but evolves into hatred.  Compassion and understanding diminish as deep-seated animosity forms to harden the heart. 

  

Joseph’s brothers were waiting for an opportunity to get revenge for Joseph’s flaunting his position as favorite son of their father. Joseph was special because his mother Rachel was the soulmate and love of Jacob’s life. Favoritism is inexcusable because it generates hatred and envy to the point of becoming explosive.

Hatred is dangerous because it can become lethal when projected onto others. The good news is that hatred can be neutralized by sincerely asking God to bless the one who is the object of your hatred. In your clearest, most distinct, audible voice, continuously ask God to bless the one you hate. God will cause hatred to dissolve so you can praise and thank him for the freedom you now possess.  

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“But I say to you who listen now to me, practice loving your enemies, practice doing good to those who hate you, continue to bless those who curse you, and continue to pray for those who abuse you.”

~LUKE 6:27-28 Williams

Christ's Coming: A Time of Transition - Part 4

During this wonderful time of the year, God graciously provides opportunities to celebrate the good news that Christ Jesus came to give us reasons to be joyful. “Count your blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what God has done.” As I activate this privilege, I’m compelled to pray for relatives and friends who must contend with troublesome issues.

          Jesus came to be the Great Physician, our comforter, friend, and redeemer. Knowing this encourages me to embrace those who are stuck in circumstances so dreadful that I can only imagine what it’s like to be in their place. I ask God to provide me with courage to be a blessing to those whom I know need His and my kindness. May God bless you with peace and joy. Merry Christmas! 

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To coordinate with KHCB’s “Five Days of Christmas” programming, I will post special Christmas thoughts on my blog Wednesday-Sunday, December 21-25. On those days, KHCB will air only Christmas music and short thoughts from the programmers.

On Monday, December 26, my blog posts again will coordinate with the radio broadcast schedule of Attitudes/Answers that airs at 5:45 PM on KHCB radio at 105.7FM in the Houston area. To stream it live or for a listing of sister stations in TX, OK, LA, and FL, you may click on the KHCB link in the "About Me" section of this page.