Quote
"To love is to forget yourself, a dangerous thing to do"
MJ Flack

Scriptural Reference:
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."
John 13:34

Reflection:

Do you have a favourite? Someone you like a little better than others? Perhaps a favourite relative that always makes you smile.

In Genesis 37 we read about how Joseph was the favourite of his Father. His brothers were jealous. And we know how this story evolved and ended. God calls us to do the most difficult task but never leaves us without the means to do them. In John 13:34 we are told to love one another as the Lord has loved us. Easily said but at times hard to show.

Just like the first question asked if there is someone that you like or even love more than others, there is the equally important question: Is there someone you particularly don't like? Maybe a relative that grates on your nerves. Or is it someone at Church that always has a way of upsetting your day?

Looking at the story of Joseph and his brothers we can see how easily someone can become a pain. Joseph didn't go out of his way to upset his brothers. He was just the apple of his fathers eye. He seemed to do nothing wrong as far as his father was concerned. So his brother desired to get rid of him in the vain hope of regaining their fathers attention and love. Did they succeed? Of course not. It was going to end as God knew it should. The brothers plans were going to achieve what God wanted. They may have believed they were acting independently and unseen. Yet as God knew each of them he used the short term distress of Joseph to bring about the long term saving of the whole family.

We each will continually encounter people like the brothers. Those who will for a range of reasons see us as the problem and not the solution. We too will play the part of the brothers from time to time. Treating others in much the same way as Joseph's brother. The difference can be in how we work through each step of the journey and in each encounter.

I personally have people in my life that have become what some would call toxic. These people will always see the negative in everything I say and do. They are quick to ridicule my faith and work hard to make it seem that I'm the one who is sarcastic. Yet, if I'm to live the grace that this verse tells me, I'll need to work through the anger created from these people. In some odd way I may be the Joseph in their journey that they need to meet with. In that case God may be able to use me to show them the Gospel. Through my words and my actions. And not through my judgmental attitude.

Take time to reflect on who you enjoy being with and who you find uncomfortable. I'm in no way suggesting we as Christians should allow ourselves to become doormats. Nor whipping posts for the angst of others. I do suggest that we work towards a neutral agape form of love towards the difficult people in our lives. Praying constantly that their eyes will be opened to the Gospel.

Prayer:

Lord, Jesus,
I pray to show others;
Compassion
Understanding
Empathy
Patience
So that your Gospel may be received.

Amen