Betrayal and Forgiveness

Have you ever felt betrayed by a friend or family member?  Have you ever betrayed a friend or family member?  I believe this happens more often than we'd like to admit.  It can be as simple as being involved in a gossip circle, as the producer, witness or recipient of it.  The latter can be very hurtful, and the results may be irreversible for the recipient.  However, the way we handle it can make a difference.  The Story of Joseph, in the book of Genesis, is a perfect example.

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Joseph was the son of the Jacob, an elderly man, and his previously barren wife Rachel.  Jacob had older children from other women in his life.  However, the young, bright and handsome Joseph enjoyed a beautiful life at home as his father's favorite son.  His older brothers, in a rage of jealousy, sold him to Egyptian slave traders.

The Eye of Horus
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Although the Egyptians practiced polytheism at the time, Joseph's faith in the Lord kept him safe and lead him to a position of power.  First, he went from being a slave to a prisoner, when he was falsely accused of sexual assault.  Then, because of his ability to interpret dreams, he was pardoned and released by the Pharaoh, as well as moved to a powerful position in Egypt's court.

Know
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Joseph's interpretation of the Pharaoh's recurring dreams about 7 years of abundance followed by 7 years of scarceness, lead Egypt to prepare for a major famine.  The latter forced Joseph's brothers to go to Egypt to plead for food.  Joseph, who was in charge of Egypt's food supplies, was forced to confront his brothers.  Although conflicted, his knowledge of the Lord helped him forgive his brothers and reunite with his father.

This is a powerful story of betrayal and forgiveness, as well as of how love and faith in the Lord our God can help overcome obstacles in life.  May we never forget that none of us are perfect, and that as the Lord's sheep, we must forgive others as he has forgiven us.  Blessings!

Comments

Ileana said…
Sweet message and love the artwork!
FABBY'S LIVING said…
Oh yes, we all have gone at one time in our lives by been betrayed by someone and it's usually a famuly member. Everything is fine now and we have forgotten and forgiven. I always loved this Bible story of forgiveness and of the bad brothers of Joseph. Thank you dear Arnoldo for sharing it with us and for the reminder. Have a very blessed week ahead.
FABBY
Christine said…
Lovely art and thanks for sharing the beautiful story of Joseph!
Julia said…
Your work is so inspiring and beautiful. Thanks for sharing!
Hugs,
Julia
GlorV1 said…
Love the story on Joseph. Your wish to wake up to that darling house is awesome. Very nice. Hope all is good with you and your family.
gloria
Ozstuff said…
Pause for thought and beautiful artwork to go with it. Wonderful pieces.
Faye said…
Powerful! Blessings to you as well.
Linda said…
Lovely post. Very sweet drawing.
Leovi said…
Genial composición, una preciosa ojo de diseño egipcio!
Ritva said…
wonderful take on blue!
sheila 77 said…
A post which touches the heart. Thanks for reminding us of the spiritual parts of life, Arnoldo.
And I very much like your three pieces of art, especially your attractive Blue Egyptian piece.
Junibears said…
Wonderful and inspiring work Arnoldo!
Karin said…
beautiful message
and I love the eye of Horus
Groetjes Karin
Peanut said…
A powerful message so beautifully conveyed by your art. Thanks for sharing, Arnoldo, and have a blessed week.
xxx Asha Sunny Summer Crafts
These are wonderful. I love coming here to see all you've done and the inspiration you give to each of us. Adore the little house! :)
Linda Kunsman said…
As always beautiful art projects. I remember this story very well, it is worth reading it again. Thank you. Have a beautiful week!
Lisa Carroll said…
Arnoldo, your card is fabulous! Perfect little scene you've created! :) Thanks for playing along over at the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Blog!
Anonymous said…
Thank you for this wonderful post, Arnoldo. Joseph's story is so inspiring, and I never get tired of hearing it! :-) Your artwork is amazing. Thanks for sharing this!
Bill said…
Joseph certainly is an excellent example for us to remember. We can survive anything by trusting in God. I really like the Egyptian eye. Their art has always been fascinating to me.
maria said…
Beautiful post Arnoldo! Love your work too.

Glad you decided to share your photos on Orange you glad it's Friday. Thanks for joining and I hope to see you again next Friday. Have a great weekend.
Wonderful various art works
Big hugs and blessings,
Anja
Victoria said…
Hello Arnoldo..what a super inspiring post full of wisdom and light..so beautifully expressed and written! Your art is always gorgeous and deeply meaningful..love all pieces..love the eye of horus and the way you displayed it in your image..stunning!

Shine on... your light and magic is much appreciated and admired!
Victoria
Tiffany said…
A lovely post & art work to go with it!
Gemiel said…
Arnoldo, we started our fall after school bible club today and we're teaching the kids the story of Joseph. Imagine my surprize when I read your post. That's just comfirmation for me that I need to do a little deeper study of Joseph. Perhaps there's something there God wants me to see. Beautiful artwork as usual. :) Love the pen and ink illustration of the scripture. Blessings.
Sharon Wagner said…
That bible story is one of my favorites. And wouldn't it be cool to be able to interpret dreams...
zandra said…
Great take on the challenge and such a lovely post. Thanks for playing with us at TIOT.
Hugz, Z
I've sung Psalm 100:3 (and beyond). Good choice.
ROG, ABC Wednesday team
Deann said…
Beautiful artwork and wonderful words.
These are wonderful, Arnoldo. I love them all. The first one really says it all - we do live blessed lives, and it's good to recognize it and to give thanks to the One who has blessed us. Thanks so much for sharing with us. I always love having you play along and seeing your amazing art. Hope you're having a great week!
Thanks for sharing,
Karen
Word Art Wednesday
Pia Drent said…
A beautiful story, thank you for retelling it!
Paula (PEP) said…
Beautifully thoughtful & so true - a gentle reminder midst the hurly burly of modern life. I find your journal drawing espeically moving - the way you have cuaght that sheep's expression........
Take care of yourself
Paula (PEP)
Bonnie Irvine said…
A great reminder punctuated with lovely artwork. Thanks for joining our Anything Goes/Harvest challenge at Craftitude. I hope we see you again soon
It's like I just went to services...wonderful post! Your message came through loud and clear, and was very inspirational and thought provoking! Thank you! Gorgeous art too!
Lisabella Russo said…
Wonderful artworks! I love that sweet sheep cradled by the girl. Definitely lessons well worth heeding...
April said…
As always - great art with a great message. I hope you are doing well. April #17
Jackie said…
Beautiful post and very thought provoking !
Artwork stunning as always your a talented man
Jackie 40
Scrapbangwallop
lorik said…
You have such a wonderful sense of design and pattern. Love your MoM contribution. Thanks for sharing on Mandarin Orange Monday #61.
Neil said…
Hi there. Thanks for sharing both your art and the message. Both were a blessing today.
Neil
Dainty Diva said…
Oh your message is so inspiring. Thanks for visiting my blog.
janice smith said…
Love, love, love this post, Arnoldo. The story of Joseph has always been very inspiring to me. The last piece of artwork is my favorite. So, so sweet. Have a great week! Janice
Claudia N. said…
LOVE your rickety house make over, Arnoldo! Absolutely adorable!

Thank you for joining us at TIOT with this lovely make!!

Claudia x
Neet said…
A powerful story indeed.
Love the drawing - did you do that?
Hugs, Neet 23
Mrs.B said…
Hi Arnoldo, love the 'dotty' house, and a great post.
Thanks for joining us at TioT
Avril x
Jen Price said…
Beautiful drawing to depict that verse!
minnemie said…
Powerful post. Love the sketch especially... tender forgiveness and grace.
roffeycreations said…
Hi Arnoldo - beautiful drawing - Thanks for popping over for WOYWW Mxx #33
Queen Lightwell said…
Love the collage card! Thanks for sharing it and stopping by my blog to leave a comment already...if you are still curious next week come back to see what was in the bags! :) Deeyll #53
Winnie said…
I was away this week celebrating my anniversary, so I am delayed it looking at your lovely work this week. Your collage card is great! You have an eye for putting papers together so nicely. Your journal page is stunning! I love how you weave scripture and story telling into your posts. Forgiveness is something that I work on all the time, as most times it comes easy and other times I must pray on it and work on it . Enjoy the week!!
Bee and Dee said…
A super cards lots of dots. Thank you for joining us on the TIOT challenge. Hugs Bee
Bella Cirovic said…
Arnold! Thank you for sharing to {in the circle}.
Unknown said…
I love the story of Joseph. It shows us that what we feel is a grave injustice could truly be the makings of a miracle. It is not up to us to understand but "trust and obey". Following Him we will not stray.

Thanks for the visit, and blessings!
Alexa said…
Always good to reflect and great image to go with the story. Thank you for sharing is with us at TioT! x
Monika Reeck said…
Hallo Arnoldo... I come here to your blog cause I have seen you are the top 5 on the try it on tuesday blog wohooo congrats with your cute house polkadot card..it is really cute and with rel leafs also...I like the blue background you have put on your card...may I ask you...hoe can you get sooo much commentar....some ladies do blog hop and they have till 100 comment and I am glad if it is 10 comment on my card..your work is amazing...hope you like to peek by my blog too...we are the same as top five, my name is Monika Reeck :)