Christian Devotional – January 12, 2019

Empathy and compassion. In the past two days we have seen how Joseph has allowed himself to be changed by God as a result of all that has happened to him. He has accepted that God is in charge and not him. Because of this, he has peace in God and all that God has allowed to happen to him through his life. Now, because of this, we see that he has empathy and compassion for his brothers. Read Genesis 50:21.

So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
Genesis 50:21 NASB
https://bible.com/bible/100/gen.50.21.NASB

Joseph has not only forgiven his brothers, now he is actually providing for them, caring for them, and helping them to live their life better. Is that how we would treat someone who had done something like this to us? The answer is probably no.

By ourselves we can not have that level of forgiveness and peace toward someone who had so disrupted and destroyed our lives. Only through the grace of God and the love that Christ gives us are we able to love others that way in return for being so mistreated.

Joseph had discovered the key to unlocking the peace that he needed in his life and to allow him to show compassion and empathy to others. That is only found in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Do we have that relationship and are we allowing it to impact our life daily? Is God living out his compassion and empathy to others through us?