Dealing with Betrayal

"So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe - the ornate robe he was wearing- and they took him and threw him into the cistern." -Gen 37:23 & 24  

Have you ever had something happen to you that wasn't fair?  Have you ever been falsely accused or wrongly judged?  It is in these situations where our emotions can get the better of us.  But, we have to stand firm and "be the bigger person" in order to see the fulfillment of God's purposes in our lives.  

Joseph was betrayed by his brothers - he was betrayed by his own family! Isn't it interesting that the people who should have been his biggest advocates were his betrayers?  Joseph had to trust God. Even during his time in the Egyptian prison he had to remain pure and avoid becoming bitter. His obedience was what allowed him to rise, even in the midst of false accusations.  

When people do wrong to us, we must be the bigger person.  Even if the person should know better, if we feel ourselves getting angry or bitter, we must decide to be the bigger person.  Maybe someone has a limited understanding of something, even a leader.  Give them grace.  Maybe someone is acting out of fear and pain.  Give them space. It is a test we must undergo so that God's bigger purposes may be revealed in our lives.  

Have you ever been betrayed?  How did you respond?  Determine to forgive the person who wronged you.  Maintain an attitude of forgiveness.  Be the bigger person.  God works through vessels that let go of offenses and trust Him for the bigger plan.