OPENNESS

I READ: Genesis 45: 1-15

Joseph was separated from his siblings for more than 10 years.  He lived in Egypt because his siblings who were envious of him had sold Joseph to traders who were on their way to Egypt.  Joseph experienced so many great struggles, until one day God made him viceroy of Egypt.  At that time Egypt and Israel were experiencing drought and famine.  As viceroy, Joseph had accumulated enough wheat to meet the needs of these two nations.  One time, his siblings came to Egypt to purchase wheat.  Joseph and his siblings were not on good terms at that time.  But Joseph restored their relationship and there was once again unity among them.  When his siblings came back to Egypt, Joseph opened up to them and told them who he was and what his position was in Egypt.  Joseph didn’t hold any grudges and hatred against his siblings.  He even kissed and hugged all of his brothers.  As a result, they weren’t afraid of being rejected by Joseph for what they had done to him in the past.

Joseph was no longer bitter towards his brothers and his action of being open and humbling himself restored their unity that was once fragile.  Like it says in the book of James, when we confess our trespasses to one another, we will be healed.

I DECLARE: James 5: 16: Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

I DO: If I still have a grudge with another person, I will pray to the Lord so that the Lord opens up the opportunity for me and gives me the courage to talk to that person and clear everything up.

I PRAY: Today, in unity I will pray with my family and pray for all of the main topics in our prayer list.