Genesis 43.  This moving story of Joseph’s second encounter with his brothers reveals what has been going on in Joseph’s heart since they sold him into slavery.  You would expect Joseph to have harbored bitterness and hatred in his heart. This passage reveals that Joseph’s compassion grew warm upon seeing Benjamin. He was overwhelmed with love. He did what he could to dispel the fear and anxiety his brothers were feeling. He asked about his father. Family love is a great gift our heavenly father has given all his children. It can overcome the heartache we all experience because family members often disappoint us. But God has given us a love for family that can overcome those times of disappointment.

LORD, thank you for family. Help us to show your love and compassion to our family members, no matter what.