See bulletin Video Cocky. Arrogant. Proud. I knew someone growing up that was really pretty full of himself. He wasn't that much fun to hang out with because everything had to do with him. If you asked him, he said he cared about others, but in reality all conversations really ended up coming back to his life and his interests. Did you know anyone growing up like that? In the book of Genesis four main patriarchs of the Christian faith all come from the same family: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. All of them had very interesting lives. But all of them had struggles with their family. In the later chapters of Genesis, Joseph is no exception. His eleven brothers had hated him because of their father's love for him. One of the older brothers, Judah, came up with the idea to sell Joseph into slavery. And Genesis chapter 38 shows Judah's pride and selfish arrogance get him into even more family problems! But God was with Joseph... and with Judah and their family! In Genesis chapter 44 we see how the LORD had humbled Judah. Judah had changed! He, the brother who had so quickly sold Joseph into slavery, was now unknowingly pleading WITH Joseph to spare their youngest brother Benjamin from slavery. Judah succeeded in Joseph's test to see whether his brothers had changed. That cocky, arrogant, and proud guy I knew growing up describes some of my friends I had at one point. But it even better fits the description of me. We have the temptation to think and care only of ourselves. Like Joseph's brothers, what we say and do to our family, friends, or neighbors ultimately reveals the sinfulness in our heart. And just as Joseph forgave his undeserving brothers, we can thank the LORD He was willing to forgive us unfathomably more! Thank the LORD He changes us, like He did Judah, through His forgiving Word and love! Christ tests us like Joseph tested his brothers, in giving us the daily opportunities to show our love for Him. Let's remember that people can change! And let's be thankful that the Holy Spirit has brought that change to our hearts through the Gospel of Christ our Savior! May we ever follow His humble, selfless, and sacrificial example in our love for Him and others.