Genesis 50:18-19 (ESV)

Originally published 01/10/2015

When Jacob died, Joseph's brothers were afraid Joseph would now get even with them for what they had done to him. "His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, 'Behold, we are your servants. But Joseph said to them, 'Do not fear, for am I in the place of God?'" Genesis 50:18-19 (ESV). Joseph realized that anger and revenge were terrible sins against God. Retaliation is offensive to God because we are trying to take God's role as judge. And we are trying to punish what we see as evil, which is God' job? When someone hurts us and we try to hurt them in return, we are exalting ourselves to the place of God, which is a greater offense than what was done to us. Lord, when people don't treat me as I think they should, give me peace that you will bring justice and protect me.

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