Speak Words Of Kindness

As I read the account of Joseph and his interaction with his brothers in Genesis 45-50, I'm always impressed by the forgiving attitude that Joseph displayed toward his brothers despite their selling him into slavery (Genesis 37:15-28). One of the reasons why they sold Joseph into slavery was because of their envy toward their brother; Joseph being his father's favorite son (Genesis 37:3-4).

It's significant to note that as Pharaoh's right-hand man (Genesis 45:1-8), Joseph could have brought severe punishment and retribution against his brothers for the misery and pain they put him through, but instead spoke words of kindness (Genesis 50:15-21).

There's no question that as human beings, we will have conflicts with our fellow man from time to time. How we react toward those conflicts will not only determine our relationship with our fellow man but our relationship with God as well.

The inspired apostle Paul tells us, "let us grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart" (Galations 6:9), thus "as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Galations 6:10),

Let's speak words of kindness to folks with whom we interact with today. Let us overcome evil by doing good toward our fellow man (Romans 12:19-21). We will be rewarded for doing so, not only in this life, but in the life to come.

 —Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets