Words Divide. Yes, even THOSE words.

You must tell my father how greatly I am honored in Egypt.

 - From Genesis 45

There is so much to unpack in the story of Joseph. Most of it is timely, to what is going on in the world today . . . as in, this week.

We think we understand everything so clearly.

 - Agree with me, or you are a hater.
 - If you don't denounce such-and-such, you are the problem.
 - Silence is consent.

Words, just words. Words divide. Slogans add fuel to the flames. Everybody is supposed to choose sides. And they do so, by way of words.

Actions don't matter. Love is not elevated. Feed hate, and use words to do it. 

We focus on the surface of things, and not on the depth. We want instant gratification for our sudden, impulsive urges; as well as for our presently hurt feelings. And it's all about words. My group has insulted your group for decades, and now I expect you to assent to my demands for words that you must now use, that indicate you are no longer on the other side. Yes, I can insult you with intensity, and then expect you to run and embrace me, because I have demanded it. 

And then there's the whole issue of the Hebrews, first becoming wealthy, and then falling into ruin, thanks to the famine; but then being elevated, just like that, into the 10% (if not the 1%) of Egyptian life. But within two generations, the jealousy of the people will drive the Hebrews into a base form of slavery. People want justice now. And justice usually means "take that other group down."

Things are not what they seem. The savage selling of Joseph to slave traders, and the lie told to his father, that a lion killed him . . . and his treatment in the house of Potiphar; the ups and downs of his life; the violence that attended him, almost every step of the way, did not destroy his pure temperament and clear faith. He kept moving forward. He did not use words to tear down others. (Angry words were the arena of his brothers!). He simply kept doing what was right, what was respectful to others, including those that did not deserve it. And look at the outcome!

Talk is talk. And Talk is cheap. Slogans do more harm than good.

Show, don't tell. Serve others. Express kindness and love. 

Let your answer to this week's sickness and evil be: not words (for even the best-intended words can divide). No, let your response be acts of love and service. Actions speak louder than words.

So speak, loudly.