To like an enemy is just inconceivable, for an enemy is by
definition somebody hated somewhat than cherished. An enemy who’s cherished is now not
an enemy. Maybe that is what Abraham Lincoln had in thoughts when he requested, “Do I
not destroy my enemies once I make them my pals?” For the final 12 years, I
have had the privilege of serving as senior minister and head of workers at
Westminster Presbyterian Church, residing and dealing on the holy floor of
Abraham Lincoln, who introduced collectively political enemies inside his personal cupboard,
the Staff of Rivals, and who efficiently reconciled conflicting personalities
and political factions on the trail to the abolition of slavery and victory in
the American Civil Battle.
There have been women and men all through historical past who’ve
led with this type of grace, perception and private integrity. It’s refreshing
to be within the presence of such leaders who’re capable of get past the revenge,
tit for tat and politics of pettiness and who’re keen to place apart their
private emotions to do the work of reconciliation and preserving life.
The story of Joseph within the E book of Genesis reveals that he
was such a frontrunner. He was capable of do what Jesus asks every of us to do: love our
enemies and be merciful. The character of Joseph is revealed within the highly effective
and intimate second of reconciliation with the brothers who grew to become his enemies
the day they offered him into slavery.
What occurred to Joseph through the years since that betrayal
is what at present we name psychological progress. Joseph matured from an conceited,
younger boy right into a humble and considerate man. From the pit of despair, Joseph did
rise with knowledge. Revenge was changed by compassion. Of their reconciliation
Joseph presents progress to his brothers. They too have been humbled by the trials
and tribulations of life which have introduced them nearer to their true, complete
selves.
Certainly Joseph’s character was developed by the
hardships, injustices and disappointments that started the day his brothers
deserted him. Rejection and disappointment have a method of serving to us discover out
who we actually are. On the day of their reunion, Joseph understands that God’s
hand has been part of these hardships to carry him to a place the place he can
save lives. Now he understands God was getting ready him to save lots of his family.
“God despatched me earlier than you for all times!” Joseph exclaims to his
befuddled brothers who face their actual guilt in his presence. “Don’t be
distressed, or offended with yourselves …” Joseph reaffirms. His testimony is that
no matter might have been the intentions of his brothers or anybody else concerned
God has been performing in these occasions “for all times.”
In Joseph’s story he’s a paradigm of what the grace of God
can do in human life: remodel a curse right into a blessing, revenge into
forgiveness, and hatred into love. By way of the present of religion Joseph can see how
God has woven these painful experiences into the tapestry of his life. Discovering
which means woven into the material of 1’s life provides form and substance to residing
and permits engagement with others in genuine, joyous and redemptive methods. Could
we’ve got the braveness, knowledge and perception of Joseph to hearken to our desires and
to see God’s hand weaving the joyful and painful experiences of our lives into
a significant tapestry of many colours.
The Rev. Dr. Blythe Denham Kieffer is pastor and head of
workers at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Springfield.
