Jan. 6 2019

​THE WORD FOR TODAY
 
BibleGateway.com - Passage Lookup: Genesis 37-39
 
Genesis 37:4
4 But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him.
 
Jealousy is a bitter pill that stains the waters of families.  Far too often families struggle under the burden of jealousy…sibling jealousy…jealousy between mom and dad…jealousy with cousins and so much more.  No family is immune to the bitterness caused by jealousy.
 
Joseph was loved by his father.  In fact the Bible records that he was loved more than any of his brothers and they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him.  By the way, this jealousy was a precursor to a terrible act of violence against Joseph.
 
How do we drive jealousy away?
 
That is the 64 dollar question.  Allow me to share some specific ways we can battle against jealousy in our families…
 
First, let’s honor each other in love.  The Bible declares, “Love covers a multitude of sins.”  Pure, selfless love has a way of driving away those negative emotions that can plague families and friends.
 
Secondly, we can battle jealousy by rejoicing in the success of those we love.  Wouldn’t it have been a different story had Joseph’s brothers had a party to celebrate Jacob’s love for Joseph?  When we genuinely rejoice over the success of a brother or sister we reap the joys of family love.
 
Finally, we drive jealousy away when we protect those we love from our negative emotions.  I remember fighting with my brother once because I felt he was getting something from my mom that I deserved.  I didn’t protect him from my anger…I didn’t protect him from my rage…I injured and bruised his spirit with the effects of my jealousy.
 
Let’s guard against jealousy in our homes and relationships and allow God’s Spirit to help us LOVE each other with a great love.
 
Lord, protect the homes of every person reading this devotion with Your power and Your peace.  May they rejoice in the joys and success of those they love and protect them from the bite of jealousy and its effect…In Jesus Name...AMEN!!!
 
 
BLESSINGS
BROTHER WILLIAM