Weaving Connections: Embracing Community and Lifestyle

Loving an adversary is simply unfeasible, as an adversary is, by definition, someone despised rather than cherished. An adversary who is cherished ceases to be an adversary. Perhaps this was the sentiment Abraham Lincoln expressed when he inquired, “Do I not eliminate my enemies when I befriend them?” For the past twelve years, I have been honored to serve as the senior minister and chief of staff at Westminster Presbyterian Church, residing and working on the sacred ground of Abraham Lincoln, who united political opponents within his own cabinet, the Team of Rivals, and who effectively reconciled conflicting personalities and political factions on the journey to the abolition of slavery and triumph in the American Civil War.

Across history, there have been individuals who exercised this level of grace, wisdom, and personal honor. It is invigorating to be in the company of such leaders who can rise above the desire for retaliation, the cycle of retribution, and the politics of pettiness, opting instead to set aside their personal sentiments to engage in the work of reconciling and preserving life.

The narrative of Joseph in the Book of Genesis illustrates that he was such a leader. He was capable of performing what Jesus urges each of us to accomplish: love our foes and extend mercy. The essence of Joseph is unveiled during the profound and intimate moment of reconciliation with the brothers who turned into his enemies the day they sold him into slavery.

What transpired with Joseph over the years following that betrayal is what we now refer to as psychological development. Joseph evolved from a conceited young boy into a modest and reflective man. Rising from despair, Joseph did ascend with wisdom. Revenge transformed into compassion. In their reconciliation, Joseph affords growth to his brothers. They have also been humbled by the hardships and struggles of life, drawing them nearer to their true, complete selves.

Undoubtedly, Joseph’s character was forged through the adversities, injustices, and letdowns that commenced on the day his brothers deserted him. Rejection and disappointment have a unique way of assisting us in discovering our true identities. Upon their reunion, Joseph realizes that God’s hand has been involved in these trials to position him where he can preserve lives. Now, he comprehends that God was preparing him to save his own kin.

“God sent me ahead of you for life!” Joseph proclaims to his bewildered brothers confronting their true guilt in his presence. “Do not be troubled, or angry with yourselves…” Joseph reiterates. His testimony affirms that regardless of the intentions of his brothers or anyone else involved, God has been acting in these events “for life.”

In Joseph’s tale, he serves as a model of what God’s grace can achieve within human life: converting a curse into a blessing, retaliation into forgiveness, and animosity into love. Through the gift of faith, Joseph perceives how God has interwoven these painful experiences into the fabric of his existence. Discovering meaning interlaced within the framework of one’s life provides shape and substance to living, facilitating authentic, joyful, and redemptive connections with others. May we possess the valor, wisdom, and perception of Joseph to heed our dreams and witness God’s hand intertwining the joyful and painful incidents of our lives into a significant tapestry of myriad colors.

The Rev. Dr. Blythe Denham Kieffer is the pastor and chief of staff at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Springfield.