Can you imagine this being your life story? Your older brothers sell you into slavery as a final act of abusive hatred that started in your childhood. As a slave, you are falsely accused of attempted rape, and incarcerated. All told, despite your innocence, thirteen years of your life are spent as either a slave or prisoner. How would that experience affect you? Would it break your spirit? Would you spend your days planning an escape, brooding, seeking a way to retaliate against those who wronged you? Would a string of injustices that began in your childhood make you forever distrustful and incapable of love or happiness?
These are the true-life experiences of Joseph, whose account is found in the Bible book of Genesis. I found his life story a source of great inspiration for any today who may be victims of long term injustices such as directed energy weapons torture and forms of psychological warfare that include gang-stalking.
By the time he reached the age of 17, Joseph had a serious problem within his own family. His older brothers saw that Jacob, their father, “loved [Joseph] more than all his brothers.” Consequently, “they began to hate him, and they were not able to speak peacefully to him.” (Genesis 37:4) We can imagine the anxiety and stress that this situation caused Joseph. Eventually, the hatred of Joseph’s brothers became so intense that they sold him into slavery.—Genesis 37:26-33
While a slave in Egypt, Joseph had to resist the immoral advances of his master’s wife. Angry at being rejected, she falsely accused Joseph of trying to rape her. He was given “over to the prison house,” where “with fetters they afflicted his feet, into irons his soul came.” (Genesis 39:7-20) What a distressing outcome! For about 13 years, Joseph was either a slave or a prisoner because of injustices brought on him by others, including members of his own family.—Genesis 37:2; 41:46.
What is exemplary about Joseph is his refusal to be crippled by hatred and bitterness. How do we know that he resisted the tendency to become bitterly angry during his trials? Consider how he reacted when he did have an opportunity to take vengeance on his brothers who had come to Egypt to buy grain. The account says: “[Joseph] turned away from them and began to weep. . . . After that Joseph gave the command, and [his servants] went filling up [the brothers’] receptacles with grain. Also, they were to return the money of the men to each one’s individual sack and to give them provisions for the journey.” Later, when sending his brothers to bring their father to Egypt, Joseph encouraged them with the words: “Do not get exasperated at one another on the way.” In both word and deed, Joseph proved that he had not let bitterness and resentment poison his life.—Genesis 42:24, 25; 45:24.
Yes, instead of harboring self-destructive anger, Joseph took the opportunity to help his brothers when they were in need. He did not allow bitterness to destroy his good qualities. Can we learn a lesson from that?
Secondly, Joseph never allowed his circumstances to control his life. We can become so preoccupied with what we cannot do in a distressing circumstance, that we lose sight of what we can. While serving as a slave, Joseph worked diligently and distinguished himself. As a result, he was appointed as head of his master’s household. When he found himself in prison he again applied himself and was appointed to run the prison by the chief officer. His resourcefulness and hard work earned him a high ranking position in the Egyptian government upon his release.
Joseph made the best possible use of his resources in spite of his environment. He even earned the respect of individuals who would normally not have his best interests at heart! His unpleasant circumstances never robbed him of his civility and dignity.
Those who are unjustly victimized by programs of psychological warfare and covert torture can learn much from Joseph. There are things we face that we have no control over. However, there are areas of our life where we can make the best of our situation. Do not let bad circumstances determine the path your life takes! Realistically, we still must earn an income, and live our lives to the best of our ability. We must still be productive members of society and good neighbors. We must also learn to interact with those who target us for abuse in a civil way! Keeping a positive outlook on life, and focusing on the good we can do can protects our mental health and prevents self-destructive behavior.
The lessons learned from Joseph have been of great encouragement to me. I take great pleasure in doing the best work that I can, looking for ways to help others, and maintaining a pleasant disposition before all. Of course, it is not easy. But it is worth the effort! Reflecting on this account also helps me to appreciate that I am not alone. Injustice and oppression afflicts many. Learning how to respond in the best possible way is vital to my survival and long-term emotional stability. It is possible to choose a response to long-term distresses that allows us to live the best possible life under any circumstance!
Set The Example For Your Persecutors
The ability to restrain the urge to retaliate is an act of singular courage. Knowing that I have treated even those who harbor ill will towards me with civility and decency promotes inner peace. Vindictive, spiteful people are always ‘watching their back’ worried about running into someone they’ve harmed. I do not have that fear, nor the host of nagging anxieties that come with it. Of course, this does not mean I throw all caution to the wind. Certain individuals must be treated with caution when their bad motives become apparent. However, my civility and restraint will teach them a far more powerful and meaningful lesson than any returned slight, insult or bitter tirade ever could.