Father Figures: Joseph by David Jeremiah

Father Figures: Joseph

JUNE 30, 2018

Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife [Mary].
Matthew 1:24

 Recommended Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

When one’s spouse does something that seems wrong or out of the ordinary, it takes faith to love anyway, to love unconditionally. It takes faith to say, “I’m going to assume the best; I’m going to wait to discuss this until the right time; I’m going to give my spouse the benefit of the doubt.” Loving unconditionally means seeking the best for another person even when feelings might dictate otherwise.

Think about Joseph of Nazareth and the difficult situation he found himself in when he discovered his beloved Mary was pregnant—before they were married. His first inclination was to do what was best for Mary which meant ending their relationship privately to avoid any public shame or embarrassment for Mary and her family. Then, when he discovered the reason for Mary’s pregnancy, he stood by her completely during her pregnancy and after. Joseph stood by Mary in every way, even when he didn’t understand completely.

Love “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7).

We are called upon to reflect the love of God as much in trial as in tranquility.
John Blanchard