I have been known to keep a tally. A tally of rights and wrongs. A tally of past hurts. A tally of the times I was “better” than someone at doing it right. I put people into teams in my mind. “The good guys” and “the bad guys.” Self-admittedly, it is nearly impossible for me to change my mind about a person. I hope you know I say this in shame. It is something I am not proud of in the least, but it is entirely true of my flesh.

Joseph’s actions here stand in stark opposition to this. He remains unwavering in his desire to do right, even when he faces consequences that are not justly earned. He keeps no internal score. He resists the urge to tally his rights and compare them with the sins of the men and women around him. Yet Joseph’s integrity does not shield him from unjust consequences.

Even when you do right, you may still face the consequences of others’ sins. Know that standing for righteousness does not guarantee that life will always be fair to you.

Reflection: Trust God with your reputation and with justice in all things and through all things. Maintain a clear conscience and leave judgment to God. In other words, do it Joseph’s way.