Today’s reading: Genesis 46:28-34
One of things I find attractive about Joseph’s example is his authenticity when interacting with those around him. We see this throughout his life, but it’s especially observable when his brothers and family arrive in Egypt. Joseph was ruling over and running Egypt, yet he wasn’t fixated on or consumed with his status and maintaining appearances. Although he initially hides his identity from his brothers (something I believe was quite uncomfortable for him), once Joseph is able to determine the state of things with his family, he lets down his guard. He is incredibly real and transparent with his brothers and Jacob, as well as with his Egyptian colleagues and Pharaoh (“and he wept aloud, so that the Egyptians heard it, and the household of Pharaoh heard it.” (Gen. 45:2); “Then he fell upon his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, and Benjamin wept upon his neck. And he kissed all his brothers and wept upon them.” (Gen. 45:14-15); “[Joseph] presented himself to [Jacob] and fell on his neck and wept on his neck a good while.” (Gen. 46:29)).
Do you struggle with letting those who are close to you know how you are truly feeling? If so, why? How does letting down our guard and being genuine with our family and friends foster relationships? Tami
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Source: Tami’s Blog
