1 Corinthians 13:4, Charity Suffereth Long (2)
1 Corinthians 13:4 Charity suffereth long…
The biblical character Joseph, described in the Book of Genesis, was sold at 16 by his jealous brothers as a slave to Egypt. He had to undergo great sufferings as a slave. He was thrown into jail because he acted righteously against the advances of his master’s wife. Subsequently, he was given wisdom to interpret the dream of Pharaoh. God helped him to make good to be released from prison and promoted to 2nd in command to manage the coming famine that he predicted from Pharaoh’s dream.
In the course of events, the famine impacted his brothers and they came to Egypt to buy grain. It was only then that he realized the reason why God worked by way the betrayal by his brothers. It was to preserve the chosen seed of Israel. His brothers’ evil act to destroy Joseph was turned by God to work out His good plan of salvation for the family. Joseph forgave his brothers. He exercised much patience or longsuffering to control himself from exacting revenge on his brothers. He was in a good position to take revenge but he did not. Men meant evil, but God turned the table. God made it beautiful for Joseph in His time. In the course of time, God moulded Joseph’s character and he demonstrated God’s love in the biblical trait of longsuffering.
Are you going through a difficult time in your relationship with another person? It may be a family member, a classmate or even a colleague. Do remember that God saved you that you can be a testimony for Him. We may develop this character trait of longsuffering through the surrendering of our will to our Lord through prayer. Experience His power when we wait for Him to act instead of taking matters into our own hands. May the Lord bless and keep you. Amen.