Kill Them With Kindness

Monday, February 26

Kill Them With Kindness

Then Joseph said to his brothers, ‘Come close to me.’ When they had done so, he said, ‘I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. Genesis 45:4-5

Joseph had every right to be angry, and he even possessed the power not only to refuse his brothers but also to have them put to death. However, he chose not to exercise that power. Despite the pain and suffering he endured, Joseph recognized the hand of God working through his circumstances. Joseph instead responds with kindness instead of revenge. “Kill them with kindness,” the saying goes. Instead of allowing bitterness to consume him, Joseph chose to extend grace and compassion to his brothers. He recognized that God had a greater purpose in allowing him to endure suffering, and he chose to trust in God’s plan rather than seeking vengeance.

Despite being betrayed and sold into slavery by his own brothers, Joseph harbored no ill will toward them when he finally had the opportunity to confront them. Instead of seeking revenge or holding grudges, Joseph responded with kindness and forgiveness.

Joseph’s response challenges us to consider our own reactions to hurt and betrayal. It’s natural to feel anger and resentment when we’ve been wronged, but dwelling on those negative emotions only perpetuates the cycle of pain. Joseph chose a different path – he chose kindness.

As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate Joseph’s example of kindness and forgiveness. When others wrong us, we have a choice – we can respond with anger and bitterness, or we can choose the path of kindness and grace. By extending forgiveness and love to those who have hurt us, we break the cycle of pain and open the door to healing and reconciliation.

Prayer for today:  Heavenly Father, thank you for the example of Joseph, who responded to betrayal with kindness and forgiveness. Help us to follow his example in our own lives, choosing to extend grace and compassion to those who wrong us. Give us the strength to let go of anger and bitterness, and to trust in your plan for reconciliation and healing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.