Perhaps, one of the greatest stories of the world can be found in the chapters from 37 to 50 in the book of Genesis. It is an account about jealousy, betrayal, and forgiveness within the family of Jacob. Patriarch Joseph was favored by his father, Jacob, probably because he was the son of his favorite wife, Rachel. The life story of Joseph gives many valuable lessons. From his younger years he experienced hardships since he was betrayed and deserted by his brothers. Joseph was disliked by his brothers since he was openly loved by Jacob more than any of them (Gen 37:31) and Joseph himself snitched on them (Gen 37:2-4). He, becoming the favorite child of Jacob, eventually brought serious trouble in the family. Again, the dreams of Joseph, which interpreted that he would have authority over them though he was the younger brother. It was something similar to what his father Jacob did to his older brother Esau. His brothers hated him to the extent of killing him (Gen 37:4).
Hence, they sold him to slavery in Egypt trough Caravan traders. In Egypt, due to unjust and false accusation, he had to endure imprisonment. He went through immense suffering innocently (Gen 37:28). However, he got matured through injustices committed against him and grew with a sense of humility.
Wherever Joseph went and whatever he did, God was with him. He was gifted with wisdom (Gen 37:5-11; 49:39). Since God gave Joseph the power to interpret dreams, Pharaoh himself described him as “a man in whom is the spirit of God . . . a man who is discerning and wise” (Gen. 41:38–39). Later he was raised to power by making him into an important position in the government of Egypt as he became the second in command to the pharaoh.
The grace of God was evident in the life of Joseph in the way he dealt with his brothers who hated him. Rather than taking revenge against them when he met them, Joseph forgave them and became reconciled with them. It was something so inspiring to see him forgiving his betrayers (Gen 45:1-3; 50:15-21). The story of Joseph encourages us to forgive others, even when we have been unfairly humiliated and treated by others.
— Fr. Niranjan Rodrigo, Ph.D.
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