OCTOBER 4, Genesis 37:4

We are not told of Joseph’s reaction when his brothers were moved to hatred at the unfair treatment by their father. However, we can imagine how the brothers behaved towards him as a result of their hatred.

The brothers did not want to have anything to do with him. They ostracised him. They might have even mocked at him and passed unkind remarks about him: “Who do you think you are?”, “Do you think you can order us around now?”, “Don’t think you are better than us!” Day in and day out, Joseph was taunted.

What is remarkable is that nothing has been recorded of Joseph’s reaction to all these ill-treatment from his brothers. We notice that when he was scolded, he did not report their shabby treatment of him to his father. What he did report was whether they carried out their work in the sheepfold, as required by his father or when the sheep were left out in the cold, lost by the hillside or eaten by wolves.

He was willing to bear his hurts, as well as silently suffer their insults and ill-treatment. This shows that Joseph was not a pampered child although greatly loved. He did not complain to his father about how his brothers treated him. Instead, he worked as his brothers worked. He did his fair share and was not slothful in any way. He did not retaliate or hit back when his brothers mocked him. He was longsuffering towards his brothers. Where did Joseph’s strength come from?

Are you able to suffer quietly when your classmates mock you because you are a Christian? Be like Joseph.

What will you ask God for strength to do when your playmate snatches a toy from you? Underline the correct answer:

1. Hit the person immediately.
2. Snatch the toy back at once.
3. Tell the person that he should not do that and to return it to you.
4. Carry tales to Mom or your teacher.
5. Quarrel with that person.

Thought: God can give me strength to do the right thing and not sin when I am ill treated.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to be longsuffering and to forgive those who wrong me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.