Continuing in Love
We’re looking at love in action through Joseph. He was sold into slavery by his own brothers, he exhibited characteristics of love. He behaved himself properly. He took no pleasure in sin. He was kind to others. He was patient and longsuffering. Though, his circumstances were not good, the Lord was with him and gave him favor in his suffering. That favor went to the top. He became Pharaoh’s right hand man.
God revealed to Joseph future events. There was going to be a season of prosperity, followed by a season of famine. Joseph suggested they prepare for the famine, which they did. In time, people came to them to buy food, because they didn’t have any crops during the famine. Joseph’s brothers came also to buy food.
More than twenty years had passed and they didn’t recognize Joseph. He recognized them. He was harsh to them, but it was not out of revenge. As you read the full account (Genesis 43-45), you can see the familial love he still had for his family. He was overwhelmed with emotion. He wanted to see his younger brother, who shared with him the same mother and father. Acting in his official capacity, he insisted they bring him.
It might not seem as if Joseph was acting in love because of some of the things he did. They were not only to insure he would see his younger brother, but that he would bring his entire family to him.
Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.
Genesis 45:5
Joseph continued to walk in love, because love thinks no evil (1 Corinthians 13:5). A better way of saying it is love takes no account of evil. Joseph did not hold against them their evil. He forgave them. During his communication with his brothers, he saw God’s hand in preserving the posterity of Abraham’s seed.
Joseph endured many things for many years before becoming governor of the land. He continued to live in the love of God as seen in his behavior. God was with him during his ordeal, and He promoted him to a place of authority so that he could help his family.
What can we learn from this? It’s important to walk in love even when you’re in a hard place. The general response is to take your suffering out on others. You can often tell when someone’s having a bad day. They may be mean, irritable, and vindictive. But someone who abides in the love of God will respond according to love. Read first Corinthians, chapter thirteen and find out what real love is.
If you’re having problems walking in love, receive the love of the Father. The natural response to His love is to love (1 John 4:19). Continue in His love.