Saturday, August 11, 2012

If Joseph Carries a Grudge...

In the movie "Rainman" the main character kept a journal of all wrongs done to him. He recorded them.

Most of us harbor aggressions in our head or heart.

After Jacob was buried, Joseph's brothers asked themselves "What if Joseph carries a grudge?" The thought scared them sufficiently for them to beg forgiveness.

Someone once said a grudge is "the heaviest thing to carry."

Psychcentral.com has "8 Tips To Stop Holding A Grudge". They include:
  • Acknowledge the problem.
  • Share your feelings.
  • Switch places.
  • Accept what is.
  • Take the positive.

These project prudence and pleasantness, but Joseph's answer uncovers an uncomplicated comprehensive course of action. Genesis 50:20 says; “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.

God can change your conflicts into peaceful, positive purposes for others. Like Joseph said, "...to preserve many people." He can take:
  • unwanted marital unfaithfulness, and commission you to counsel others..
  • disillusionment, and sanction you show others how to deal with disappointment.
  • people's anger at you, and offer you opportunities to develop their self-control.
  • alcoholism surrounding you, and allow you demonstrate resilience.
  • rebellious family members, and enable you to demonstrate God's powerful, gentle perseverance.
  • lies about you, and validate your use of truth as your strength.

The goal of this struggle is to allow God to mature you for His use.

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