Matthew 1:19-23

Matt 1:19 Righteous people don't desire to disgrace others. Jesus asked why are you trying to pick the speck out of your brothers eye when you have a log in your own? He also said if your brother sins against you don't broadcast it right away. The first step is to go to your brother privately. Love covers a multitude of sins. There is a time for exposing hypocrites, etc. But how would you like it if when you sin, immediately God made sure everyone you know knew what you had done? Show others the same mercy and grace you want God to show you. Give them an opportunity to make things right. They are the only one who can make it right. Telling others (immediately without giving them the opportunity to make things right) just makes things worse. Even though he had nothing in the past to point him in the right direction as far as Mary's pregnancy was concerned, Joseph jumped to a conclusion. And a wrong one. That is the problem with jumping to conclusions, they are usually wrong. But since he was righteous he was going to quietly take care of the situation. He didn't want to expose what he thought of as Mary's sin. He loved her. Once God gave Joseph insight into the truth it changed everything. Has that ever happened to you? You were so sure you knew what was going on in a situation and then received insight that proved you were totally wrong? It has happened to me and I bet if you are honest it has to you too. Mt 1:20-21 God tells Joseph through an angel that the child is His. To name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins. Mt 1:23 Immanuel God with us.