Make Family Relationship A Priority

Genesis 50:14-21 – 14 Then Joseph returned to Egypt with his brothers and all who had accompanied him to his father’s funeral. 15 But now that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers became afraid. “Now Joseph will pay us back for all the evil we did to him,” they said. 16 So they sent this message to Joseph: “Before your father died, he instructed us 17 to say to you: ‘Forgive your brothers for the great evil they did to you.’ So we, the servants of the God of your father, beg you to forgive us.” When Joseph received the message, he broke down and wept. 18 Then his brothers came and bowed low before him. “We are your slaves,” they said. 19 But Joseph told them, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, to judge and punish you? 20 As far as I am concerned, God turned into good what you meant for evil. He brought me to the high position I have today so I could save the lives of many people. 21 No, don’t be afraid. Indeed, I myself will take care of you and your families.” And he spoke very kindly to them, reassuring them. (New Living Translation)

How Can I Make My Family Relationship a Priority?

1. I can focus on ___________________________ – not revenge

I can show compassion in three ways:

(1) By my ____________________________

(2) By my _______________________

(3) By my _____________________________

2. I can focus on God’s ___________________ – not mine

Jeremiah 29:11 – “. . . I know what I am planning for you,” says the Lord. “I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future.” (New Century Version)

Romans 8:28 – And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (New Living Translation)

3. I can focus on the _________________________ and ________________________ – not the past

Genesis 50:25 – Then Joseph made the sons of Israel swear an oath, and he said, “When God comes to lead us back to Canaan, you must take my body back with you.” (New Living Translation)

Exodus 13:19 – Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for Joseph had made the sons of Israel swear that they would take his bones with them when God led them out of Egypt – as he was sure God would. (New Living Translation)

God Makes a Relationship With You a Priority

1. By focusing on forgiveness He wants to forgive our ________

1 John 1:9 – But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong. (New Living Translation)

Colossians 1:14 – God has purchased our freedom with his blood and has forgiven all our sins. (New Living Translation)

2. By focusing on a plan for your life He wants to give you that which is ______________________

Jeremiah 29:11 -- For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (New International Version)

3. By focusing on your life now and in the future He wants you to be with Him _______________________________

John 14:3 – [Jesus said,] “When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” (New Living Translation)