Making Family Relationships a Priority

Genesis 50:15-21

Throughout the scriptures God commands that we love one another.

             A.  Love your neighbor as yourself.  (Matthew 22:39)

             B.  Love the Lord with all of your heart, mind, and soul.  (Matthew 22:37)

             C.  Husbands, love your wives and be not bitter against them. 

                  (Ephesians 5:25)

D.  Love your enemies and be not bitter against them.  (Matthew 5:44)

By looking at the life and behavioral pattern of Joseph we see how he made

his family a priority by focusing on:

I. Forgiveness - not revenge.

A.  Joseph never said, “I will get even.”

B.  Notice he wept, he spoke tenderly to them. vs. 17, 21

C.  Notice his promise to them.  vs. 21

      “I will provide for you and your children.”

D.  There may be those here today who need some feelings of hate

      and revenge transformed into feelings of hope and forgiveness.

E.  “Create in me a clean heart Oh God and renew a right spirit within              me.”  (Psalm 51:10)

II. Joseph made his family a priority by focusing on God’s plan - not his or their plan.

A.  “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all

        things will be added to you.”  (Matthew 6:33)

What are “all things”?

1.  The ability to love your family unconditionally.

2.  Patience with family members.

3.  Hope for your family.

4.  Ability to forgive and move on with your life.

5.  Your material, physical and spiritual needs.

III.  Joseph made his family a priority by focusing on the present and future not the past.  vs. 21

A.  It’s time today for many within our church family to press on.

     (Philippians 3:13, Ephesians 2:14-16)

B.  Love is a decision, so is forgiveness.

C.  It’s time to rekindle some love in the home, marriage, church.

D.  Don’t wait for your feelings to change - ACT NOW!

Weekly Bible Study

November 24th - 29th

“Redemption”

Monday:            Christ redeemed man by blood sacrifice                   Gal. 3:13, Heb. 9:12            

Tuesday:            Redeemed from bondage of law                             Gal. 4:1-3

Wednesday:        Redeemed from sin                                                Titus 2:14

Thursday:           Redeemed from evil world                                      Gal. 1:13-15

Friday:                Heavenly destiny of the redeemed                           Rev. 7:9-17

Saturday:            Redemption brings us into God’s family                  Gal. 4:4-5

Played: 4 | Download | Duration: 00:31:45