A great love provided Joseph with many valuable things. Honor established through the offering of a distinguishing coat was the tangible symbol that amongst his brothers, he was set apart. Jacob’s behaviors continually proclaimed that he favored Joseph above his other sons. The sonship of the other brothers wasn’t the issue – they were sons indeed. It was the status and privilege of Joseph’s sonship that became their point of contention. It was the widely publicized love of their father that drew the hatred of his brothers. The love of one drew the hatred of ten. It is important to note that initially Joseph had done nothing to provoke the hatred of his brothers. It was the actions of their father mingled with their own personal insecurities that spawned their hatred. Hatred manifested when it became apparent that Joseph was greatly loved by his father.

Because “All things work together for good…”, Jacob’s Love and Joseph’s brothers’ Hatred strategically worked in tandem to position Joseph on his ordained path to purpose.When we embrace all of the components that make up God’s agenda for us, we can say like Joseph, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…” Genesis 50:19-20 When we acknowledge God’s sovereignty, we understand that Love and Hate do work together!