Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS
Matthew 1:18-22 (KJV)
Joseph’s forgiving and tender heart is noteworthy. Before Joseph knew the truth about Mary’s pregnancy, he chose mercy and forgiveness. I can imagine that he felt betrayed by the one he loved. Joseph experienced the pain of heartbreak. Yet, he chose forgiveness. Joseph did not allow bitterness to take root in him, and he did not seek revenge. The nature of righteousness in him made him choose forgiveness instead of revenge. Joseph was a reflective man and a master of his emotions. His response to a perceived betrayal was not based on his feelings, but faith. It takes faith to forgive, and the same faith empowered Joseph to believe the angel’s news about Mary’s pregnancy.
This was the testimony about Joseph- He was a just man. The just live by faith (Galatians 3:11). For without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). To choose mercy and forgiveness is to please God. Radical faith extend radical forgiveness to others.
Regarding Jesus, Luke 2:51 (NLT) says, “Then he returned to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. And his mother stored all these things in her heart.” Joseph and Mary were responsible for parenting Jesus. They modeled how to train up a child in the way he should go. In this plan, Temi Michael-O shares lessons from Joseph and Mary’s journey to parenthood.
Would you like to become a member of God’s family? Please say the prayer below and let me know about it here.
Say this: Heavenly Father,
I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe you exist and you sent Jesus to die for me. I receive your love and forgiveness. Reveal yourself to me. I accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Amen
Welcome to God’s family!
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