Whoville | Crosstraining 12.5.12

Philippians 2:1-8 When Joseph found out that Mary was pregnant, the only logical conclusion was that Mary had cheated on him. In those days, the punishment for adultery was to be put to death. Joseph, who had to have been upset and angry at the situation, had the right to make Mary pay for what he thought she had done. If Bethlehem was anything like today’s small towns, you know that everyone in town was calling for Mary’s head as well as the gossip spread throughout the village. Joseph, even before he found out that Mary was pregnant with the Son of God, chose a different route. He was going to “put her away quietly” which meant Mary’s life, and her child,  would be spared. Joseph relinquished his right to pay Mary back and, instead, chose to take responsibility for someone he obviously cared a great deal about. We all have rights in our life when it comes to our relationships, but, sometimes, doing the right thing means we let go of our rights and take responsibility for taking care of other people. What makes Joseph so great was that he had nothing to gain from protecting Mary except knowing that he was doing the right thing? What rights have you been holding on to that you need to let go of, so you can take care of someone else?]]>