Joseph’s story clearly demonstrates that those who are angry may soon switch to murderous intent. In two successive verses, we noticed the reasons why Joseph’s brothers hated him. Genesis 37:4 records that they noticed that their father had a liking for Joseph, and understandably so. He was a child of his old age, born after years of agonizing wait, and that coming from a beloved wife. Joseph’s brethren did not find that acceptable. Here comes Joseph again, sharing a dream which put him in a position of authority over his brethren. That took his brothers’ hatred for him to a new level. Unfolding events showed their plans to eliminate him.

Anger and hatred can be described as the two sides of the same coin. In all probability, you will detest what gets you angry and be angry about what you detest…Sin works as a web! Failure to conquer one at onset creates root for others to flourish.

Anger and hatred can be described as the two sides of the same coin. In all probability, you will detest what gets you angry and be angry about what you detest. Cain was angry because Abel’s offering was accepted by God and his own turned down. That culminated in the first murder case recorded. It is in this light too that we can recall the relationship between Saul and David. The moment Saul noticed that the women were singing the praise of the young champion, hatred welled up in him, and he began to seek ways to kill David. Murder is next door neighbor to hatred! John could not have put it in a better way when he said, “Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him” (1John 3:15). Envy was the root of the hatred which Jacob’s sons showed towards their brother, as was the case between Cain and Abel, and Saul and David. Sin works as a web! Failure to conquer one at onset creates root for others to flourish.