INTRO: The last three weeks we used the themes that we need "SOMEONE WITH A VISION AND WILLING TO TOUCH PEOPLE'S LIVES," "SOMEONE WITH ENOUGH PASSION THAT THEY WILL CONTINUE NO MATTER WHAT THE DIFICULTIES FACING THEM," and "SOMEONE THAT WILL SERVE IN THE GOOD TIMES AS WELL AS BAD." Today I want to realize we need "SOMEONE THAT WILL FORGIVE OTHERS AS GREAT FRIENDS DO."

As we look at Joseph, we see a parallel to Christ in his life and ours

1. Things that really make us great
1. Our belief in God
1. Actions toward Him Gen. 44:16
2. Attitude towards His creatures
2. Our love for others
1. Actions toward them Gen. 44:18-34
2. Attitude towards their failures
3. His love for us 45:4-11
1. The call for closeness 4
2. The offer of forgiveness
3. The promise of paradise
   
   
As we look at ourselves, do we see a parallel to Joseph in our life?
2. Things that show our greatness
1. Our love for God is expressed
1. Him, His Son, His Spirit
2. His church, His people, His works
2. Our love for His servants is elevated
1. Willingness to forgive
2. Willingness to share
3. Our love for the world executed
1. Share gospel
2. Share the love God has for them
   
   
As we look at ourselves, do we see …?
3. Things that make great friends
1. Friends that care
1. Have an honest love
2. Care about what befall their friends
2. Friends that share
1. Love, concern, etc.
2. Load, burdens, goals, etc.
3. Friends that repair
1. Forgive
2. Forget

Gary A. Marcum East 38th St. FWB - 02/14/99 AM