When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, “Take these men to my house, slaughter an animal and prepare a meal; they are to eat with me at noon.” Genesis 43:16
Every person has someone who is an enemy to them, someone who is out to harm them in some way or another, whether physically, emotionally or socially. Usually people are quick to want to strike back and harm their enemies in some way to stop their attacks.
At a minimum, most people do not want anything kind to do with their enemies.
When Joseph’s brothers came back for more food with Benjamin, Joseph had a special meal prepared for them in his personal house. They were to eat a meal with him.
Joseph had been mistreated and sold into slavery by his brothers. He had every right to be angry with them and harm them. He also had the power to harm them now that he was second in power in all of Egypt, yet he did not.
The world tells people that they have a right to strike and harm their enemies or at least have nothing to do with them. Satan wants to bring division, strife and death, not reconciliation.
Jesus said that believers are to forgive and love their enemies. Being angry and vengeful will never show love, but only hatred and death.
God had every right to destroy His enemies–humans who have sinned against Him. Instead of destroying them, He chose to love them and provide a way to reconcile with them. Instead of striking back, Jesus went to the cross and paid for the sins of all, and then chose to forgive those same sins.
In the same way, believers are to forgive and love their enemies, rather than harm them.
You most likely have some enemies in your life that tend to make life very difficult for you. It could be family members or outside the family. If you choose to follow the ways of this world, you will hate them and have nothing to do with them.
Allow God’s great love and mercy to fill your heart for each one of your enemies. Realize that each one is a lost person who needs Jesus in his life. Instead of showing hatred, show God’s love and mercy. Point them to God, not the world.
Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that you will know God’s love for you and your enemies; that God will fill you with His love for your enemies; and that you will be a witness of God’s great love to this world.
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