Over the past few years I have experienced some atrocious behavior on the part of people who use the name “Christian” (yes, I have questions about that, but I don’t have to be the judge). I’ve been both a spectator and a recipient of lying, gossip, back-biting, etc. It hurts, and it really hurts when I see the how it affects others. I can become very angry just thinking about it.
The thing is, I think from MY perspective, and my perspective is pretty limited. Many in our congregation are following a one-year Bible reading plan, and today’s reading took us to Genesis 50, where Joseph assures his brothers that he forgives them. He is fully aware that they intended evil (you think? Out of their jealousy, they sold him as a slave hoping he would disappear forever) toward him, but he also said: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good” (Genesis 50:20). Joseph felt hurt, but he also saw things from GOD’s perspective.
An important point is that Joseph made this comment many years after his brothers betrayed him. From that vantage point, he could see how God took something very bad, and made it work for good. The only way Joseph got to see this was for him to remain faithful in each situation he encountered (many very unpleasant). By remaining faithful he was able to gain God’s perspective and see what God did.
God doesn’t see things the way I do.
I’m not Joseph, but I can learn from him.
I don’t pretend people sinning is “ok”, but I can practice faithfulness and watch and see what God does with it.
Can you relate?