Day 12– Compassion, Anger, Fear, and Faith all come from the same place…the overflow of one’s heart.
Today’s reading: Genesis 42:1 – 44:34.
Genesis 43:30 “Deeply moved at the sight of his brother, Joseph hurried out and looked for a place to weep. He went into his private room and wept there.”
As Pharaoh’s dreams were confirmed, 7 good years came to the land and 7 bad years filled with famine were now upon them. Jacob, Joseph’s father, sent his sons to Egypt to get food for their family. All but his son Benjamin went because he was the only remaining son of Rachel. When the brothers made it to Egypt Joseph recognized them immediately, however, they did not know him.
Joseph’s first instinct was to treat them harshly out of anger for what they had done to them, but his heart was full of compassion for them as well. He began to bargain with them over supplies in exchange for seeing their youngest brother Benjamin. The brothers made it back to their father Jacob, and told him what Joseph had said, but out of Fear and loss, he refused to let Benjamin go.
Yet, if the brothers didn’t return with Benjamin, Joseph had already told them they wouldn’t be able to have anymore food. The thought of Death of the entire family ripped at Jacob’s heart, so he turned to his faith in the Lord. Jacob prayed that God would grant them mercy on their trip.
You see, even though Anger and Fear can come from our heart, God’s heart is full of Love and Compassion. God’s love will overcome fear and anger everyday. What condition is your heart in? Let God’s Love fill you with compassion and faith pushing out all anger and fear!
Dear Heavenly Father, You alone see the state of my heart. If fear, anxiousness, anger, or hate live there, please remove them by the presence of your love and compassion. Please don’t let the overflow of my heart stop me from following your call. In Jesus Name, Amen.
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