If you have scrolled social media lately, you may have read inspirational and spiritual posts. Many of these posts are encouraging reminders of God’s faithfulness to us. Sadly, I am noticing more posts that are condoning eliminating people from our lives. These posts have a quasi-Christian message. They talk about love but only to those who are matching your effort. Some posts assert that anyone who steals your peace is toxic and should be removed from your life. Unfortunately, many Christians are embracing and sharing this version of social media Christianity: but God requires more from us.
In Genesis 37, Joseph was the second youngest of 12 brothers (but he was his father’s favorite). His father’s special adoration made Joseph’s older brothers envy and hate him. God gave Joseph two dreams with the understanding that his family would bow down to him. This caused his brothers to hate him even more. The brothers hated Joseph so much that they plotted to kill him. (This would definitely qualify as a toxic relationship.) Fortunately, Judah convinced them to sell Joseph instead of killing him.
So Judah said to his brothers, “What profit is there if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? Come and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother and our flesh.” And his brothers listened. Then Midianite traders passed by; so the brothers pulled Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. And they took Joseph to Egypt (Genesis 37:26-28).
Joseph was a slave in Egypt, falsely accused of attempted rape, imprisoned, and forgotten by those he helped. Yet, God was with Joseph through it all. Eventually, the dreamer was called upon to interpret the dreams of Pharaoh. Because of the wisdom that God exhibited through him, Joseph was placed in charge of preparing Egypt for the famine that was foreseen through Pharaoh’s dreams. The famine would not only affect Egypt but the entire world. People from all countries came to buy corn in Egypt, including Joseph’s older brothers.
Joseph was approximately 39 years old and had not seen his brothers in 22 years. As a teenager, Joseph’s brothers had not shown love towards him but hate and envy. Now, he was the second most powerful man in Egypt. However, when Joseph had the opportunity to take vengeance on them, he chose to protect and provide for them. He could have been bitter towards his brothers but Joseph understood the purpose of God through his trials.
Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them (Genesis 50:19-21).
When Joseph could have been harsh towards them, he spoke kindly and comforted them. Joseph saved the lives of the people who wanted him dead. Joseph knew their past intentions towards him but he knew that God’s plan was greater. Do not allow social media Christianity to convince you to walk contrary to our Father and your holy calling.
Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:19-21).
For more on keeping your faith pure, read Spoiled.
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Copyright 2020 T.L. Lockley. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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Thank you, Alicia!