The Way of Brothers!

It seems like it is the way of brothers to quarrel. I know my two brothers and I had our moments while growing up. There was even one time my younger brother and I were going at it to the point our older brother ran out of the house to let our mother know because he thought we were going to kill each other. Squabbles happen. However, all of that is far behind us and the relationship the three of us have shared for many years is very good.

It is sad what often happens between brothers (and sisters). Cain got mad and killed his brother Abel. And jealousy within families can cause great problems. It did in Jacob’s family. Joseph’s brothers resented the special treatment he seemed to have received. ( Genesis 37:4) And when Joseph had his dreams it caused his brothers to despise him even more. ( Genesis 37:8 & 11) Eventually Joseph’s brothers decided to get rid of him (though not all agreed -- Genesis 37:21-22), but his life was spared when he was sold to a caravan heading toward Egypt. Knowing the rest of the story we understand this was all a part of God’s plan (and in accordance with Joseph’ s dreams) for the eventual sparing of Jacob and his entire household during a great famine that eventually came.

When the famine began, Jacob sent his sons to Egypt to buy grain. But when Joseph began to question his brothers (they not knowing it was him) and the request was made for them to bring Benjamin back with them, out came the quarreling finger with an “I told you so” along with a “but noooo, you would not listen” from Reuben. ( Genesis 42:22) Sounds like brothers, doesn’t it?

Eventually the brothers returned to get more grain, taking Benjamin along with them, and it was on this visit Joseph revealed himself to them. With a plan in place to have the entire household of Jacob come to Egypt, Joseph sent them off with the following admonishment.

We read…
“Then he sent his brothers away, and as they departed, he said to them, ‘DO NOT QUARREL ON THE WAY.’” ( Genesis 45:24 ESV)

It was time to END THE QUARRELING AND MOVE ON. The blame of the past did not need to be placed, rather rejoicing in the present situation was what needed to be done. The past could not be erased anyway.

How sad it is when brothers and sisters (relationships within the family of God included) quarrel through the years. Sometimes that quarreling is due to an unwillingness to leave the past in the past. Other times it is simply caused by a spirit of envy or selfishness.

Paul complimented the church at Thessalonica with these words…
“Now concerning BROTHERLY LOVE you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves HAVE BEEN TAUGHT BY GOD TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER,” ( 1 Thessalonians 4:9 ESV)

If there is anything we should learn from God it is what love is all about! Are we learning? Does it show in our relationships within our families and within the church? Paul went on to encourage these brethren to continue to do so more and more. Our goal also ought to be to “LET BROTHERLY LOVE CONTINUE.” ( Hebrews 13:1 ESV) If we allow love to be genuine we will be able to squelch the quarreling that might otherwise exist. May brotherly love abound!

Have a great day MAINTAINING TRUE LOVE IN THE FAMILY!
Carl

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