Am I in God's place? - Genesis 48-50

Joseph asks a great question in Genesis 50:19. When confronted by his fearful brothers about wether he will seek retribution on them for their wickedness to him, he responds, "I'm I in the place of God?" Each of us should consider such a question when it comes to our enemies. It's not like his brothers didn't deserve retribution. Years before they sold him into slavery. For years they lied about him being dead. Who would blame Joseph for seeking vengeance? What would we say to those who feared our retribution? Would we ask, "I'm I in the place of God?" We put ourselves in the place of God all the time. When we make a judgment about someone else's behavior we put ourselves in the place of God. When we practice passive-aggressive behavior and withhold our love and affection from others we put ourselves in the place of God. Joseph was willing to see the bigger picture and moved beyond vengeance (50:20). He saw God at work in his and their lives. We tend to only see the bad in what others do to us. However, God meant it for good to accomplish a greater purpose. The day we relax into that thought is a day that we walk in faith, demonstrating Godly character. Let's let God do His work and not try to take His place.