Find Inspiration From Biblical FamiliesSample

Revenge or redemption?

Joseph’s brothers feared revenge from Joseph following Jacob’s death. His passing aroused a deep sense of anxiety and guilt, given their past treatment of Joseph. The brothers chose to send a letter to Joseph with “instructions from Jacob” to forgive them.

When Joseph received the letter, he wept. Rather than accepting the brothers’ offer to be his slaves, he encouraged his brothers not to be afraid, reassured them, and spoke kindly to them (Genesis 50:15-21). Joseph’s forgiveness arose from his commitment to God and demonstrated his acceptance of God’s providential care, which included his brothers’ evil deeds. He viewed the entire experience through the lens of God.

This story shows how the human family overcomes deception, jealousy, hatred, and even murder. The account of Joseph and his brothers also demonstrates that the family is resilient, reliable, and redeemable. Success and failure in families become requisites of God’s larger plan.

Here are a few lessons we can apply to their story:

- Favoritism sets the stage for conflict.

Learn to celebrate your children's success, strengths, and abilities. God may be shaping them for future use in his plan.

Invest the Word of God into the lives, hearts, and minds of your children. These early lessons will guide them when they must make decisions without parental guidance.

- No earthly authority or situation was greater than Joseph’s personal relationship and devotion to God. Help your child learn to be a person of faith in the darkness and the limelight.

Teach your children the power of forgiveness, especially with siblings. Point to God as the ultimate example of forgiveness.

- All families are fallen, broken, and sinful. Yet God redeems. Teach your children to put their faith in God despite the hard places in life.

Questions for Reflection:

- What are some examples of forgiveness in the Bible you can share with your children?

- What do we say about ourselves when we choose a grudge over grace?