DO THE OPPOSITE
29th Jan 2020
As I read through Genesis each January, as part of my daily Bible reading, I love the story of Joseph with all its twists and turns, and when he reveals himself to his brothers. What a moment of drama, what a surprise to his family, and what a response of forgiveness and blessing. He did however have some fun putting them through a bit of pain and discomfort!
Joseph had the opportunity to take revenge on his brothers for all their cruelty and antagonism towards him, but he chose to do the opposite. Even after he had sought to calm them at the moment of his disclosure, “Do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me here.” (45:5), they still feared that he would take revenge once his father Jacob had died.
Again Joseph chose to forgive and bless, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intend to harm me, but God intended it for good….the saving of many lives.” (50:19-20) How do you respond to those who seek to harm you and to act badly towards you? You can take revenge, or you can do the opposite. Jesus said, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:27)
There are many ways you can do the opposite to the way you are being treated. You may have those around you who are mean spirited and stingy in their attitude and actions. You can do the same or choose to be generous. Proverbs 11:25 says, “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” This promise assures you that when you choose to do the opposite it will not harm you.
There are those who never seem to act with kindness, but you can respond in the spirit of Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as God is Christ forgave you.”
Doing the opposite will never leave you deprived, but will open the door for greater blessings to be poured on you from the Father’s heart.
by Charles Sibthorpe
