To love an enemy is simply impossible, for an enemy is by
definition someone hated rather than loved. An enemy who is loved is no longer
an enemy. Perhaps this is what Abraham Lincoln had in mind when he asked, “Do I
not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?” For the last 12 years, I
have had the privilege of serving as senior minister and head of staff at
Westminster Presbyterian Church, living and working on the holy ground of
Abraham Lincoln, who brought together political enemies within his own cabinet,
the Team of Rivals, and who successfully reconciled conflicting personalities
and political factions on the path to the abolition of slavery and victory in
the American Civil War.
There have been men and women throughout history who have
led with this kind of grace, insight and personal integrity. It is refreshing
to be in the presence of such leaders who are able to get beyond the revenge,
tit for tat and politics of pettiness and who are willing to put aside their
personal feelings to do the work of reconciliation and preserving life.
The story of Joseph in the Book of Genesis reveals that he
was such a leader. He was able to do what Jesus asks each of us to do: love our
enemies and be merciful. The character of Joseph is revealed in the powerful
and intimate moment of reconciliation with the brothers who became his enemies
the day they sold him into slavery.
What happened to Joseph over the years since that betrayal
is what today we call psychological growth. Joseph matured from an arrogant,
young boy into a humble and thoughtful man. From the pit of despair, Joseph did
rise with wisdom. Revenge was replaced by compassion. In their reconciliation
Joseph offers growth to his brothers. They too have been humbled by the trials
and tribulations of life that have brought them closer to their true, whole
selves.
Surely Joseph’s character was developed through the
hardships, injustices and disappointments that began the day his brothers
abandoned him. Rejection and disappointment have a way of helping us find out
who we really are. On the day of their reunion, Joseph understands that God’s
hand has been a part of these hardships to bring him to a position where he can
save lives. Now he understands God was preparing him to save his own family.
“God sent me before you for life!” Joseph exclaims to his
befuddled brothers who face their real guilt in his presence. “Do not be
distressed, or angry with yourselves …” Joseph reaffirms. His testimony is that
whatever may have been the intentions of his brothers or anyone else involved
God has been acting in these events “for life.”
In Joseph’s story he is a paradigm of what the grace of God
can do in human life: transform a curse into a blessing, revenge into
forgiveness, and hatred into love. Through the gift of faith Joseph can see how
God has woven these painful experiences into the tapestry of his life. Finding
meaning woven into the fabric of one’s life gives shape and substance to living
and allows engagement with others in authentic, joyous and redemptive ways. May
we have the courage, wisdom and insight of Joseph to listen to our dreams and
to see God’s hand weaving the joyful and painful experiences of our lives into
a meaningful tapestry of many colors.
The Rev. Dr. Blythe Denham Kieffer is pastor and head of
staff at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Springfield.
This article appears in Adams Street at a crossroads.
