“Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age. Also, he made him a tunic of many colors. But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him.” Genesis 37:3-4
Does this story sound familiar? Perhaps you can identify some of Joseph’s brothers in your own life. You recognize that people have hatred towards you because of what God has given to you. Some may call it hatred, envy, or jealousy, but at the root of it all, they want what your Father, God, has given you, and they hate you for it.
At times, it may seem that you are imagining it, but the looks and comments are evidence of the jealousy people have towards your life. The promotion or new job you just received, your recent marriage, or your children doing well, are an offense to those who wish to see you fail. This post is not meant to make you paranoid or untrusting, but instead, to make you cautious. Just as the Bible teaches us to: “watch and pray.”
Watch and be aware of those who wish to see you fail, but also pray for them. Joseph’s brothers were blinded by jealousy, and so are many today. However, because your Heavenly Father takes care of you, you know that no evil can harm you.
May the God of the Bible bless you!
Bishop Bira Joshua
