Today’s exhortation – dysfunctional families
Truth be told, everyone’s family has issues. Whether it’s an abusive or absentee parent, hatred and jealousy amongst siblings, family members battling addictions or cheating spouses etc. But strictly speaking, we don’t get to choose our family members, God does. He knew that mother or father won’t be there or that brother or sister will hate you or family member that would abuse you or take advantage of you. Yet in the midst of all the heartache and pain, God works it all for our good. Joseph’s family was dysfunctional as it gets. He had three stepmothers, ten step-brothers, one brother, and a step sister–all living in the home at the same time.
His father, Jacob’s practice of polygamy and having favourites opened the door to jealousy, insecurity and constant conflict among his wives and children. He was also a passive father, whose lack of involvement and leadership brought pain and confusion to his family. Joseph’s brothers were mean, conniving and immoral. Yet in all this, God was merciful to all, loved all and blessed all. He had no favourites! Just as when it rains, it rains on everyone, He blessed all. Your family is no worse than the other and God cares for every member. He has plans for everyone and Jesus died for all and that’s why He asks us to forgive each other because we are all so precious to Him. Amen
Francis Hans-Jorie
