It can be a challenge to forgive, especially when someone has harmed us deliberately. What helped Joseph to forgive his brothers when they wronged him?

Can you imagine the strong emotions that Joseph may have felt when he unexpectedly came face-to-face with his brothers? He could have immediately identified himself and then either embraced them or taken revenge. But he did not act on impulse. What will you do if you are the victim of injustice from family members or others? Joseph’s example teaches the value of exercising self-control and remaining calm rather than following our treacherous heart and acting on imperfect impulses.

Joseph suffered as a slave and a prisoner for about 13 years before Jehovah delivered him. Rather than becoming bitter, Joseph let this experience refine him. (Ps 105:17-19) He knew that Jehovah never abandoned him. How did Joseph make the best of his situation?

During Joseph’s many trials, Jehovah made “everything that he did successful” and granted him “favor in the eyes of the chief officer of the prison.” (Ge 39:2, 3, 21-23) What lessons can we learn from this account?

Joseph’s experience illustrates the harmful effects of improper jealousy. Match the scriptures to the reasons why we should stamp down any feelings we may have of improper jealousy.

Although we likely see some good qualities in our neighbors, workmates, or schoolmates, does that mean that they are good associates? What can help us determine if someone is good association or not?

To receive Jehovah’s blessing, we must exert ourselves to keep Kingdom interests first in our life. (1Co 9:26, 27) Aged Jacob demonstrated the spirit with which we should fulfill our Christian responsibilities. We show that we earnestly seek Jehovah’s blessing by . . .

Jacob did not know in advance the trials that he would face as a result of marriage. Rachel and Leah became rivals. (Ge 29:32;30:1, 8) Despite trials, however, Jacob saw that Jehovah was with him. (Ge 30:29, 30, 43) Ultimately, his offspring became the nation of Israel.​—Ru 4:11.

Isaac’s blessing of Jacob was prophetic.