Verses from Genesis

埃及地的七年丰收一结束，七年饥荒就随着来了，正像约瑟所说的一样。各地都有饥荒，只有埃及全地仍有粮食，当时饥荒遍及全国，约瑟就开了所有的粮仓，把粮食卖给埃及人，因为埃及地的饥荒非常严重。各地的人都到埃及去，向约瑟买粮，因为各地的饥荒都非常严重。(创世记 41:53, 54, 56, 57)

The seven years of abundance in Egypt came to an end, and the seven years of famine began, just as Joseph had said. There was famine in all the other lands, but in the whole land of Egypt there was food. When the famine had spread over the whole country, Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe throughout Egypt. And all the world came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph, because the famine was severe everywhere. (Genesis 41:53, 54, 56, 57)

In the wake of the shooting at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut, many people have felt strongly compelled to help. Some donated blood for the injured, some provided free lunches and coffee at their restaurants for workers. Others wrote letters of comfort or just gave hugs. Some sent gifts of money and teddy bears for the children; others offered counseling. People found ways to serve according to their personalities, abilities, and resources.

These stories show the heart of God for the world. He has prepared us and made us who we are that we might care for others in whatever way He leads us.

Compassion offers whatever is necessary to heal.

Although Joseph suffered many injustices, God ultimately used him to help others by empowering him to provide food for those who otherwise would have starved. This principle applies to the believer even today. God can help us persevere in our suffering so that we can help others who are in need in the future. In the New Testament, Paul tells us that we experience pain and God’s comfort in order to comfort others (2 Cor. 1:3-4).