Responding to Emotions

Genesis 42:1-24 Genesis 43:29-31

We are in a difficult time where we are all dealing with emotions and have to make decisions inspite of how we feel. We can learn a lot from Joseph and how he dealt with his brothers after 13 years from being sold into slavery

Intro:

13 years after being sold into slavery Joseph faces his brothers for the first time and goes through multiple emotions while dealing with his brothers.

Retreat Gen. 42:24, Gen. 43:30- Joseph retreated when he felt emotional. Retreat don’t make life altering or decisions while you are emotional. It’s ok to weep but give it to God and not everyone.

Reset and Return Gen. 43:31- Joseph then washed his face. washed means to wash, bathe, i.e., remove dirt and impurities using water and possibly other cleansing agents, either immersed in a body of water, or with lesser amounts of water, used both as normal personal hygiene and as ceremonial ritual (Ex 2:5; 29:4); (pual) be cleansed (Pr 30:12; Eze 16:4+); (hitp) wash oneself (Job 9:30+), see also domain LN 53.28–53.32;

Joseph once he gathered himself together returned to his brothers. Don’t retreat and never return. Get yourself together and come back to face the situation.

3. Restrained Gen 43:31- Joseph returned and restrained himself from acting out of emotion.

4. Reverence and Reference Gen. 45:7 Joseph gives reverence and reference to God’s ultimate plan. Not allowing his emotions to speak for him but the plan of God of all he had to go through just so he could save his family.