Wounds and Scars

We tend to judge others by their actions, and ourselves by our intentions, but when we hurt someone, the effect is the same regardless. (I am definitely guilty of this!) Saying you're sorry is the first step, but healing takes time, and once the damage is repaired, there may be a scar that remains. Healing will happen on its own, but as with a physical injury, there are efforts we can make to speed up the process, keep the wound from getting infected due to additional exposure, as well as minimize the scar left behind. The deeper and more severe the wound, the more intensive the treatment that will be required. Just sticking a band aid on it by saying we are sorry is not being very proactive on our part when someone we love has been hurt. And, if you have ever had a significant scar from an injury, you know that even once it's healed, the area is still sensitive or numb when touched, and will never be the same. We may not be able to see emotional wounds, but they are every bit as real, and require tender care to get better. As the person responsible for their injury, (whether intended or not) if we are patient and sensitive to their needs, pretty soon our relationship will experience restoration. After all, if we truly love them, especially in the way Christ calls us to, they should be worth our time and effort. Remember the kindness of Christ toward hurting people...He was sensitive enough to first be aware of it, and in response, be caring enough to do something about it. ♥

Character Amidst Adversity

In any given situation, it's never about their character, it's always about ours. How we handle things defines who we are and who we are to become, and each moment is a fork in the road where we have a choice to make. The more right ones we make lead us one direction, and the more wrong ones we make lead us another. Some day we will look back and wonder how we got where we are. There is a reason why the road less traveled is the more difficult one...it leads to blessing, favor, and peace. That peace is with ourselves, our God, and with others. Wouldn't trade that for anything!

For more information on the subject, here is an article about Joseph and how he retained his character amidst diversity.

7 Lessons Learned From the Bible's Joseph

The Bible story of Joseph exemplifies how you can face adversity. Within this scripture story you can find seven character traits that will help you face the trials in your life.

Everyone faces adversity; it is an integral part of the life experience. Who you are on the other side of the trial depends on how you face it. In the Bible, Joseph, the son of Jacob, provides an excellent example of how to face adversity. Despised by his own brothers, sold into slavery by them and then wrongfully cast into prison by one who originally trusted him explicitly, Joseph could have grown angry, resentful and sought for revenge. Instead, he developed seven character traits that enabled him to come out of his trials a better person.

Acceptance
Often the first response to adversity is “why me?” Learning to accept the circumstances you are in helps you to better face the trial. Accepting his status as a slave, Joseph simply goes to work for Potiphar. And when he is cast into prison he again sets out to work hard. You must get over this roadblock and accept the situation. Only then can you move forward and away from the trial.

Hard work
Joseph didn’t seek to undermine those who enslaved him. He actually helped them to prosper. This happened in the house of Potiphar as well as in prison. They, in turn, recognized his talents and blessings. If you don’t work hard through your adversity, others may never see your true abilities.

Patience
Joseph knew the Lord would bless him because of his dreams. So he endured these trials with patience, knowing the blessings would come. In tandem with that patience he also sought solutions. After interpreting the dreams of the baker and the butler he asked the butler to tell the Pharaoh of his predicament. After that, he continued to work hard in prison, trusting in the Lord’s timetable. Remembering the blessings the Lord promises will help you to patiently endure.

Integrity
When Potiphar’s wife attempts to seduce Joseph, he flees. He is true to his moral code, even though no one is around. He understands that he must be true to himself and to the Lord. Had he accepted her advances, he may have saved himself from prison, but he knew that it would hinder him from the blessings of the Lord. Be true to who you are, even in adversity. That is the true test of your integrity.

Humility
When Joseph is called to interpret Pharaoh’s dream, he could have taken credit for his gift. Instead he immediately gives credit to the Lord when he says, “It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.” (KJV Genesis 41:16) Joseph had learned through all his adversities it was the Lord who was blessing him and helping him. He didn’t take the credit for himself. After coming through a trial, you need to recognize whose hand got you through. It is the Lord’s.

Bless others
Joseph could have had a vengeful reaction to those who wronged him. He could have withheld his gifts, his talents and his abilities to bless others just for spite. Instead, he uses them to bless others. He helps Potiphar and the keeper of the prison to prosper. He interprets the dreams of the Butler and the Baker. He interprets Pharaoh’s dream and then uses his organizational skills to save the Egyptian kingdom and by so doing saves his own family. He truly lived as Christ taught when he said, “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you.” (KJV Matthew 5:44) Being able to let go of the need for revenge enables you to truly learn from your trials.

Forgiveness
When Joseph revealed his identity to his brethren he told them, “Now, therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.” (KJV Genesis 45:5) He knew that his adversity had been part of a bigger picture and therefore he forgave them freely. When you forgive, you let go of all the bitterness and anger that can keep you from progressing.

Adversity helps us to develop and grow as a person. By seeking to develop these character traits, we can face those trials that come our way and overcome them with the same strength and grace that Joseph had.

by Robyn Carr
Source:  http://familyshare.com/7-lessons-learned-from-the-bibles-joseph